Reflecting on Technology EDUC 6710

As EDUC 6710 comes to a close I reflect on what I have learned and what the possibilities are for technology use in my gym. Course EDUC-6710I-5 Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society has given me many insights about technology in my classroom/ gym. I have learned that there is a difference between doing something differently and doing something different. (Laureate Education 2008). Some of my lessons that I have done in the past can now be done in a more efficient manner. I also learned that as a teacher sometimes we get caught up in what we are comfortable with and not what connects with today’s students. I have learned that the limits of technology are endless and that I can try anything and will most likely see some success.

I have deepened my knowledge of teaching through technology by allowing the students to take more responsibility for their education. I have realized that the old way may not be the best way for today’s students. “Today’s kids grow up in the light. They’re deeply immersed in it long before educators ever see them.” (Prensky 2008).

I have changed my perspective to being more learners centered because I know now that I need to keep up with my students in the area of technology and let them use what they know. I should not be holding them back or powering them down when they come into the gym. Today’s students need to use what they know because they feel that the older generations “do not get them,” or understand who they are and what they are about.

I am going to continue with my Master’s in Education- Integrating Technology in the Classroom so that I can do my students a better service. I also, have already signed up for more training on the operating systems that are being used in my school district. I have talked to the teachers in my building and they are willing to help me with the lab time and making sure that the students have time to log on for Physical Education purposes when they are not in the gym. I am excited to get Race around Wyoming going. Race around Wyoming is a pedometer activity where the students log their steps, convert the steps to miles and try to beat other teams to landmarks around Wyoming.

One goal of mine is to receive a Smart board for my gym. I would like it to be portable so that I do not break it. Once the Smart board is received I plan to use it daily for my student’s access and knowledge of content. In order to get the Smart board I am going to ask PTA to purchase it for me. Another goal is to have the students participate in Race across Wyoming and log their activity time. The more that my students can see their success the more success they will have. I hope that I can give my students many successes and that we learn together if something does not go quite right.

I am excited for the upcoming school year and am looking forward to integrating technology into the gym whenever I can and with many different lessons.

References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Understanding the impact of technology on education, work, and society. Baltimore: Author.

Prensky, M. (2008, March). Turning on the lights. Educational Leadership, 65(6), 40–45

Prensky, M. (2005). Listen to the natives. Educational Leadership, 63(4), 8–13.

Richardson, W. (2009). Blogs, wiks, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press

Thornburg, D. (2004). Technology and education: Expectations, not options. (Executive Briefing No. 401). Retrieved from http://www.tcpdpodcast.org/briefings/expectations.pdfng on the lights.

Profiling the Students of Today

When profiling the students of today I interviewed four students from the neighborhood where I live and teach. I realized that today's students are totally immersed in technology. Everything that the students do has to do with technology from daily contact with friends to listening to music. Their lives are controlled and lived through technology. Although, my students were elementary aged they were very knowledgeable about technology and knew that their lives would be very different if they did not have technology in their lives. The audio podcast is to the right. It worked on my computer so hopefully it works for you! If you have trouble please let me know.