Week 8 Reflection

This course has helped me develop several technological skills as a professional teacher. One of these skills is the ability to create blog sites that enable me to incorporate learning not only for my students, but also for the parents of my students. I have also learned how to follow other relevant blog sites that are beneficial to both me and my students. Finally, I have learned the function of wiki sites and ways to incorporate the students in participating in this process.

This learning process has greatly deepened my knowledge of the teaching and learning process because these are tools I previously was unable to use. Because of this, my perspective has changed greatly from teacher-centered to learner-centered. It is evident that these tools allow lessons and learning to be centered on the student rather than the teacher. My role now becomes one of a mediator/facilitator instead of the traditional role of presenting information to students for them to absorb. Using these tools students have the freedom and flexibility to "learn on their own" and help their classmates learn along the way.

I think I now have the basic skills to easily expand my knowledge of learning and teaching with the aim of increasing student achievement because I have found ways to convert the normal classroom experience to a global environment.

In my first year of teaching kindergarten and first grade PE, I have experienced a few obstacles that will not allow me to instantly implement some of the technological tools I have learned in this course. The main obstacles are students access to computers and their ability to operate computers efficiently. Many of my students are just now learning letters and numbers and how to read. A long term goal I have is to have equipment put in place that will allow students to exercise and play games interactively. Of course the obstacle to doing this is finding the financial resources to make this happen, but perhaps I can hold fundraisers in order to purchase this equipment. Another goal I have for transforming my classroom environment is to create a class blog that my students will be able to access and fully participate in. Not only do I plan to have activities posted on it, I also plan to have nutritional facts for parents and students. Another section would allow students to research sporting events and activities then be able to contribute to the site. Of course the main obstacle here is computer access and the ability to effectively read and write.

Partnership for 21st Century Skills

My reaction to this site is filled with positives! I am amazed at the commitment that has been made to incorporate 21st century skills to all students in our country. I was impressed with the mission statement in which they strive to serve as a catalyst in building a collaborative partnership between education, the business community, and government leaders.

What surprised me most about this site was the members of partnership. Not only did the number of partners surprise me, but so did the "who". Intel, Apple, Cisco, Dell, Hewlett Packard, and the various partners from other industrial, educational, and governmental groups was quite impressive!

It is refreshing to know that there is a place for educators and students to go to for guidance and support in order to teach and learn 21st century skills that are increasingly needed in order to close the gap between our students and those from other countries.

Blogging in Physical Education

The upcoming school year will bring about many changes for me. I have taught high school social studies for 14 years. This year I will be teaching physical education in an elementary school. I plan on using blogging in my class as a resource for students, staff, and parents. I hope to provide blogs on nutrition, health, state standards, rules, and current events. I will definitely be learning as I go because the content area of my subject as well as blogging are both new to me.