My perception has certainly changed just in the short time that I have been enrolled in this class. The main focus is geared towards implementing innovative ways to increase student achievement in the classroom. One of the areas that I have really enjoyed is learning new ways regarding new technology to use in the classroom. I also enjoyed learning different ways methods that my colleagues have used in their classrooms and what has worked and what has not worked. I feel more confident in myself as an educator by taking this class and learning all of these different and effective methods. To be an effective educator, all teachers must learn and strive to reach new heights just like we encourage our students. As a result, we must learn new and innovative ways that will make our students more successful in the classroom and most importantly, life.
Just in the short 7 weeks of this course, I have gained useful knowledge regarding new types of technology that will help in all content areas. I feel that I have a better understanding of what I must do as a teacher to teach more effectively and being able to be more flexible as a teacher. An effective teacher must be able to be accommodating to each students' individual needs. As a Special Education teacher, I am faced with new challenges each day. It is vital that I can be more flexible and more willing to try different types of technology that will gain the students' interest.
In this class, we have learned about using more social networking and collaboration tools in the classroom. Also we have learned about digital storytelling which helps students to create a movie and to present it to the class with options for voice over, pictures, and texts. These tools help students to become more engaged in the lessons and increasing student motivation. It is important that students can become more involved in the learning process and these methods provide that. I look forward to implementing these tools in the classroom.
To be able to successfully apply these different ideas and methods, I need to attend more professional development opportunities and collaborate with other teachers in my school and community. Each teacher is different and it is very important that I collaborate with several teachers to gain their input on meeting students' needs. A good way to collaborate with other teachers is to observe them in the classroom setting. I have gained some great ideas from my colleagues in this class and I look forward to implementing them soon.
