The growth of technology in the classroom has grown tremondously in the last few years. It is so important for teachers to change with the times and get on the same level with our students. We must speak their language for them to be successful as learners and to be successful in the workplace. I have learned so much about the uses of technology and the importance of using these strategies to bring a whole new level of teaching to the table. Also the use of technology in the classroom provides the students with an opportunity to research on their own and to work cooperatively with others. To be able to work with others is so important because sooner or later they will have to do it in the workplace.
This class has also opened my eyes that I have been more teacher centered than being student centered. Becoming a student centered teacher takes a lot of research and willingness to do it. The benefits of being a student centered teacher is that the students become more involved in the learning process and they will get more out of it in the process. The most important thing to remember is that it is not about us as teachers but it is ultimately about the students and their success.
The most important thing I can do as a teacher to expand my knowledge is to attend more professional development opportunities, research ideas, and to observe other teachers to get ideas from their methods. Teachers need to be flexible and willing to adapt when it comes to the changing times and to be able to keep up with our students interests.
The two long term goals that I would like to set for the future would be to have a classroom with a smart board and to have an opportunity for students to use their cell phones in the classroom for learning. The biggest obstacles I have with the smart board is having my class room and the funds to purchase it. The biggest problem with having cell phones in the classroom is that it is against school board policy for students to have them in the classroom. But I have heard that it might change within the next couple years. Teachers could really use cell phones to the benefits of themselves and to the students. I hope to achieve these goals so I can increase student learning and student engagement.
