Reflection week 8

One of the things that I have learned throughout this program, not just the course is the need for not only using technology within the classroom at a variety of capacities, but also the need for using it in appropriate manners similar to the ways that students will use in the near and distant future. I really like the idea of using Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVE’s) within the classroom, and would like to pursue using them for various activities. Depending on the program, the cost could be minimal and yet the quite valuable to students who can use it effectively.

Not only did I learn about the ideas behind MUVE”s, but I also learned the importance using new technologies to not only help students learn in the classroom today, but also to get them to use technology in hopes to prepare them for using technology for jobs that have yet to be created.

Overall, I have begun to reflect on my current teaching strategies and to try to find new ways to integrate technology. When I look back on all that I have done in the last two years, I realize I use technology more in my classroom than our technology teacher does in his. I do my best to try to get students to use technology and am constantly trying to find ways to use technology in the classroom. For example, I have been, and will continue to push for having email addresses for all of our students. Although the teachers I have been working with and I have been unsuccessful, there is a growing number of us that believe we should be doing more for the students than we do.

In order to make my life easier, I have organized my handouts and some of my notes on my webpage through the school. Students have used them several times, and tell me that I actually need to make them more entertaining with the beginnings. It makes my life a lot easier and I can help students in more ways. I have also posted all of my assignments online for students to download and use, making turning in missing work a great deal easier.

As technology continues to evolve, so do my teaching strategies. I hope that as new technologies continue to emerge, I can keep helping my students become more prepared for their futures while using technology. As I continue to surf some blogs such as technology4teachers, I hope I can learn a great deal about the new and emergent technology to stay more informed.