Module+4+Reflection

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During Module Four, I read Chapter Three in the ISTE Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards book. In addition, I read two journal articles about what the digital curriculum looks like in schools and a statewide technology plan for Ohio developed by an agency called eTech Ohio. Also, I watched a couple videos showing students using tablet computers in the classroom. Also, I watched a recording from an Elluminate session that featured an interview with Allan Collins and Richard Halverson, the two authors of the book //Rethinking Education in an Era of Technology//. ======

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From the ISTE book, I learned that most schools are not providing their students with the kinds of digital environments that students are used to outside the classroom. Students might have the skills to use technology for social networking and entertainment purposes outside of school, but students are not being offered opportunities to develop the skills that will be necessary for them to be successful in 21st century jobs and as global citizens. Surveys report that more than 80% of teenagers use the Internet at home, but almost one-third of teens said they did not use the Internet at school at all. Students reported that their learning could be improved by having more online learning opportunities, connecting with peers and mentors beyond school, and completing meaningful learning tasks that allowed them to construct knowledge from different sources. ======

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From the online articles, I learned that the digital curriculum features 1:1 technology and emphasizes project-based learning. Technology is added to every important part of teaching and learning to help prepare students for the fast pace of the digital world. Students are able to develop critical thinking skills, be creative, and communicate and collaborate with peers. Data is always being collected to evaluate student achievement. There are also online professional learning communities where teachers can reflect and share ideas. In addition to the digital curriculum, I also read about eTech Ohio and its strategic plan for developing technology infrastructure and promoting access to instructional technology across all levels of education throughout the state. Some of the goals of eTech Ohio are to create flexible online programs for all students to participate in higher education, reduce barriers to using technology, and provide tools and resources to support educators. ======

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The most interesting thing I did during this module was listen to the Elluminate interview of Mr. Collins and Mr. Halverson about their book. Both authors agreed that technology is becoming an ever-present part of young people’s lives and that educators need to rethink the role of technology in schools. One author, however, had a radical idea that caught my attention. He suggested creating non-traditional learning environments in which students earn certifications in math, reading, writing, music, creating websites, etc. Students could demonstrate their skills and talents in their own ways. Colleges could have a list of certifications for students to have in order to be admitted. One author even said that Facebook and online gaming communities were ideal examples of how learning management systems should be created. He said that the gamers of today could be the future leaders of tomorrow. ======

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As I think about my personal views regarding 21st Century Teaching and Learning, I realize that teaching and learning has changed so much since I was in school. I graduated from high school in 2001, and I received my bachelor’s degree from UA in 2006. When I was a high school freshman, there was Internet access in only a couple classrooms and the computer labs. Now, freshman at my old high school take netbooks with them from class to class and use those netbooks to access textbooks online, check grades on ProgressBook, do Internet research, type out assignments, turn in work to the class moodle, and probably much more! This is the closest example that I know to the school described in the digital curriculum article. When I was a freshman in college, students used AOL Instant Messenger to chat online and had cell phones that couldn’t take pictures or videos or access the Internet. Now, when I walk around the UA campus, students are usually texting with a cell phone in one hand and choosing music with an mp3 player or iPod in the other hand. Don’t forget about the headphones or ear buds dangling from their ears. ======

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Instead of asking high school students to always put their phones and music devices away, I feel that schools should provide students with some opportunities to use those devices for meaningful learning activities. Students working in small groups can use their cell phones to share documents, videos, and music files with their classmates. Students can use Google Docs to share written assignments with peers and make suggestions for editing or write blogs about books or historical events. Teachers can pose questions to students using response systems that enable students to text their answers and use this data to assess student learning. ======

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Students are using technology so much in their personal lives that it is disappointing that education has not kept up. I love the idea of students having their own laptop or tablet computer, but the issue will always be money. Teachers have to take baby steps when it comes to integrating technology because they have limited resources. Therefore, if I ever taught or became a technology leader in a K-12 setting in the future, I would need to become familiar with grant writing, so I could provide a school with the resources it needs to prepare students for the demands of jobs in the 21st century. ======

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I realize that according to 21st Century Teaching and Learning, it is not enough to just have students look up websites about a topic being discussed in class or even do a PowerPoint or a movie for a special unit during the school year. Students need to be immersed in technology throughout the learning process, preferably with each student having individual access. Students need to able to construct and share new knowledge using digital resources and solve problems through teamwork facilitated by online communication tools. I plan to learn more about some of the tools listed on the Bloom’s Taxonomy pyramid, including Prezi, Poll Daddy, and Scribble Maps. ======

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Kathleen Harking, Executive Director of eTech Ohio, wrote in the PDF document about Ohio’s technology plan that “technology will never replace the power of a good educator.” Even though the idea behind 21st Century Teaching and Learning is to increase student use of technology in schools, it is still important for teachers to make good decisions regarding technology and realize that technology is only a tool to help student learn. Teachers still have the ability to inspire student creativity and critical thinking. Teachers still have the power to help their students develop a passion for something that will help them be successful in the future. Teachers still have to create opportunities for students to use technology in ways that will stimulate their interest in their community and the world. ======

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The cool thing about technology is that it doesn’t discriminate against the people who use it. It welcomes everyone who wants to explore its possibilities and discover new ways of sharing ideas and connecting with the global community. Therefore, it is important for educators to not be discriminating when it comes to who has access to technology and who does not. It is important for educators to give all students a fair chance at unlocking the power that technology can create. It is important to develop and implement new strategies for teaching and learning that will help all students be successful global citizens in the 21st century. ======