A Time to Reflect...

           As someone who teaches with technology on a daily basis and whose responsibilities center on supporting the needs of others as they learn to navigate their way to effectively integrating technology into their own pedagogical practices, I felt taking a course centered on technology integration would only serve to refresh concepts I already understood.   However in stepping back, and reflecting on the educational journey I have taken over the past ten weeks, I am truly surprised by how much I have actually grown professionally, proving the point that learning is a life long process that does not stop the instant you become a teacher.

            Prior to this course I, like many of my classmates had a comfortable understanding of technology, the ISTE NET_S standards, and many of the technical devices, digital resources, and web 2.0 tools being integrated into today’s classrooms.  I also had a first hand insight into the many hats a Technology Integration Specialist wears in a school setting, having served in this role for my school over the last couple of years.  

            The area that I feel I have experienced the most growth is in understanding how to take the skills and knowledge I already possess with regards to technology integration and apply it to the next level.  For instance prior to this course I was familiar with the educational possibilities associated with Blogs, Wikispaces, and Google Docs, however had never actually used the tools in a collaborative manner personally or with teachers or students. In addition, I was familiar with designing lessons that effectively used technology, however have never stopped to identify the technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge that was gained from using technology to support the learning of a core subject.  Finally, I understood the need for ongoing, continuous technology based professional development in schools, however did not fully grasp the multiple steps required to ensure that these trainings and workshops were a success long term.

            Therefore in moving forward I plan on actively implementing many of the activities and web 2.0 tools that I learned through this class, into my day-to-day practices with colleagues and students.  Most importantly I plan on taking the time to educate my colleagues about how to integrate the TPACK, (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge), and the International Society for Technology in Education’s NET-S standards into their lessons, as I have learned through the implementation of a needs assessment survey within my field experience, that they have little knowledge of both across the board. Finally, I will support my district’s mission to provide ongoing professional development opportunities in technology for teachers and staff by creating learning opportunities both though online platforms like blogs and wikis, and in face-to face workshops that will teach them to embrace the technology tools they have in their classrooms and use them in more effective ways to meet the needs of their students.  

Why is it so important to continue to perfect the technology integration craft and develop professional development opportunities to support this?

            A quote from Socrates once said,  “ The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” (Pictures and Quotes, 2015).  I feel this quote truly embodies the growth of technology in education and the journey many teachers face when it comes to integrating its use into their day-to day classroom practices. 

            Technology itself has often been seen as an agent of change as research has shown that “when used effectively, technology can help students meet and exceed rigorous learning goals” (ISTE, 2015). Technology use in education has also been credited with “having the potential to significantly improve teaching and learning to a level necessary for success in an information oriented society” (Egbert, 2009).  However in reality technology alone cannot make these things happen “only teachers can truly make changes in pedagogy” a reality (Egbert, 2009). Therefore, it is vital that when it comes to technology integration in schools, teachers continue to hone their craft so that they are able to use the technology based tools they have effectively to “ address the academic, linguistic, and social needs of students, assuring that all students in their care have equal opportunities to learn and achieve” (Egbert, 2009).  In order to assure this goal is reached and teachers can take full advantage of the technologies available to them in their schools, appropriate levels of support in the form of, training, and technical personnel are necessary ingredients in the integration recipe. In addition school districts will need to allocate funds to “give educators access to the tools and resources needed to personalize instruction and create relevant, engaging learning environments” now and long into the future (ISTE, 2015).  

 

References

Egbert, J. (2009). Understanding classroom learning and technology use. In J. W. Johnson (Ed.) Supporting Learning with Technology: Essentials of Classroom Practice. (pp. 3-34) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

International Society for Technology in Education, ISTE. (2015). Digital learning in a standards world: a closer look at the common core and state content standards. Retrieved January 25, 2015 from: http://www.iste.org/advocacy/public-policy/common-core

Pictures and Quotes (2015). Quotes about change. Retrieved January 31, 2015 from: http://picsndquotes.com/quotes/quotes-about-change/