EQ 1: How can I become successful in using technology as a tool for communication, productivity, research, and instruction in my future teaching practice?
In order to become successful with integrating technology into the classroom, I will need to utilize as many resources as I can find. I will need to absorb as many ideas as I can get from colleagues and reputable sources in order to build my knowledge base of technological tools. There may be some trial and error involved in figuring out which tools to use and how to use them effectively. One important aspect of being successful in using technology as a tool is to involve my students in some decision making. I will incorporate democracy in the classroom to determine the various ways my students use technology as a tool for communication, productivity, and research in their lives. If I need to adapt myself to some of the tools used by my students, I will make every effort to research and try to include those tools into my teaching practice. At the end of each year, I will reflect upon the technological tools used during the year and their effectiveness. I may have to reevaluate and change every year in order to stay current; however, if it benefits my students for the year to come, it is worthwhile.
EQ 2: How can learning circles benefit my learning throughout this class?
Learning circles are a great way to break the ice with a group of people. Learning circles can help create community within the class and may help spark meaningful discussions. They are a great way to share information with colleagues and provide valuable networking experiences. Furthermore, working in groups with peers is a common practice among professionals, and it is important that future teachers are ready and willing to participate in group settings and feel comfortable contributing and sharing information. Everyone is unique and has their own idea of how their classroom will be run, and it is beneficial for teachers to keep an open mind in case they are in need of some new ideas for their own class. In a group, it's members can learn from peer's mistakes and gains. If I approach the learning circle idea with a positive attitude, I can reap many rewards from it. Collaboration is so important in education because it promotes positive behaviors that students can pick up on. If teachers are to be role models for the next generation, it is crucial that we let our students see us interacting with our peers in a way we want our students to interact with their peers.
I like how you refer to technology as a "tool" because tools help us! Gaining input from students is a great way to gauge how you can help them in their learning goals.
ReplyDeleteI agree- I like that you specified wanting to gain input from students and even give them a say in the classroom (what better way to show how democracy works!). I also like how you pointed out teachers need to be role models for students. Too many times have I seen teachers that do not work together well and you're right, it shows in the students attitude towards collaboration.
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