ICT Reflections
- 1. ICT Reflections Throughout my time in the ICT course in the Faculty of Education at Brandon University I have had the opportunity to explore different digital platforms and create amazing things using technology that I had not used before. The blog post below describes some of the opportunities I have been given to create new content in a digital context.
- 2. I find that I have become more eager to access resources and apps that can be used in my classroom to help create an enriching learning environment as a result of this class. Previously, I would have considered using the Smart Board as my main way of infusing technology into the classroom. Funny how in only a few short months, my entire outlook on tech in the classroom has evolved into a more sophisticated and risk taking ideology. A spark, if you will, has been lit inside me, and I feel incredibly inspired to create an innovative teaching style that allows my students to learn beyond the four walls of our classroom. At no other time in history have we been able to literally blow the lid off of the traditional methods of curriculum delivery and create classrooms that allow students to flex their creative muscles using powerful digital tools that can be shared globally. Using technology, we are creating a generation of empowered students that have the skills and knowledge to change the world. How can this not inspire us as educators to take full advantage of this digital era? Photo credit: http://imgarcade.com/1/technology-in-the-classroom-quotes/ In my classroom, I will use Skype and Twitter as powerful communication and collaboration tools. The ability to connect with experts in every field imaginable offers students opportunities to learn about incredible things right from the source. When students can connect with the information being thrown at them, they are more likely to retain it. The
- 3. opportunity to talk to someone on the other side of the globe while in the comfort of the classroom allows us to invite the world into our own corner of the world which is an exciting and incredibly engaging way to meet curricular outcomes. Twitter can also be used as a tool to promote literacy. By allowing students to write and read Tweets, they are engaging in meaningful writing, which is far more effective and worthwhile than having them sit at a table and complete mass produced worksheets. Twitter is a highly engaging and personalized tool that students can use to communicate with and learn from others. I have had the privilege of seeing how a private classroom Facebook page is run and as a parent, greatly appreciated being a part of it. When I have my own classroom, I will create such a page for parents of my students so they can stay updated on the events and learning occurring throughout the day. It also creates another way for me to stay connected to my students and their families and in a way, invites the parents into our classroom in a digital sense. My students will also be given the opportunity to learn how to code. I feel that this is a very important skill for my students to acquire as we are living in an ever increasing digital world. By giving them the chance to learn how to code, I feel that we are helping to enrich their learning opportunities by creating innovative ways to hit curricular outcomes and foster critical thinking and problem solving skills in each of them. In the next few years, I would really like to see more creative media used in the classroom; allow students to learn how to create impressive presentations beyond the standard Power Points or have them create their own video games or digital books as part of their learning. The
- 4. possibilities truly are endless! I would also like to see more of a push to get girls into computer science as right now, it’s predominantly a male centric sector. I would love research to be done on information retention using more modern methods of instruction as opposed to traditional pen and paper learning and which areas of the brain are activated when technology is infused in the lesson. I feel that it is important for teachers to be kept up to date on technology that is available for use in the classroom, so more professional development is, in my opinion, necessary. In my own domain, I will continue to create an elaborate and enriching PLE that will help me to become a better teacher. I will also create my own personal blog, allowing my readers to take a glimpse into my classroomand life as an educator. I will share resources and ideas on my blog and encourage other teachers to collaborate and share their ideas as well. I will also encourage my students to create their own class blog and personal digital portfolios. This will establish their digital presence and teach them how to be a responsible digital citizen. My digital portfolio will continue to be a work in progress as I embark on my teaching career. It will continue to grow and reflect who I am as a teacher as I gain more experiences and insights into the profession. My LinkedIn profile will also change as I grow into my chosen career as an early years educator. Going forward, I will make a concentrated effort to connect with other professionals through various digital platforms, such as MAPLE, Facebook, Twitter and blogs. I will use Skype as a tool to connect classrooms so students have the opportunity to create projects collaboratively with other students from across the world. I will attend webinars and PD sessions that will allow me to continue developing my ICT expertise and meet other like-minded professionals.