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.

Learning for the 21st Century

21st Century learning what is that ? Well, I have to say that I agree that we as educators are not teaching our students what they will need in their futures. I liked the six key elements to 21st century learning. 1. emphasize core subjects 2. emphasize learning skills 3. use 21st century tools to develop learning skills 4. teach and learn in a 21st century context 5. teach and learn in 21st century content, 6. use 21st century assessments that measure 21st century skills.

It does not suprise me that phyical educaiton does not fall under the 21st century core subjects. However, really it should be. Look at all the health issues that we are having. Today's youth do not know how to take care of their bodies. Therefore leading to more health issues. I really do believe that Physical educaiton should be on the core subject list.

As a contemporary teacher the implications are hard because the subject in which I teach is not said to be a core by NCLB or 21st century. Therefore the students do not believe that what I am teaching in important. The more technology that I can incorporate in will aid in the buy in later and will help my students further succeed in their technological careers.


References
Partnership for 21st Century Skills (.nd) A report and Mile guide for21st century skills. Washington D.C. Author. Retrieved from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf

Use of a blog in my classroom.

I teach elementary physical education k-6th grades. I would use the blog primarily for the 5th and 6th graders because of the knowledge of technology and the amount of time that they are allowed in the computer lab
The use of a blog in my classroom would be for students to log and discuss their activity. For instance, the FITT principle which stands for F=frequency how often they did an activity, I= intensity which is how hard they did it, T= time which is how long, and T= type what kind of activity that the student did.
The blog could also be used for encouragement by other students and for idea development. This could also be a place for the students to share favorite, or exciting activities.
My classroom blog would not be about a specific assignment but for the students to show what they have accomplished. I would also use it for Healthy Tips, such as food choice, portion distortion, activity ideas, and goals.

Hello!

The title of my blog "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work" comes from Aristotle. This is something that I truly believe, if we love what we do then we will put our heart and soul into it. I have always loves sports and education. Therefore I have the perfect job for me a physical education teacher. However, here recently I have embarked on a new territory, integrating technology into the classroom. This for most teachers is easier than some to create a computer lesson or incorporate some form of technology. I do not have enough technology in the gym (my classroom) for an effective lesson. I use what I have which is pedometers, heart rate monitors, and my laptop. I have the ground work or the idea for a technology lesson in the gym which I hope to someday put to good use. More to come on that idea as it is "in process" at the moment.