Reflecting on Integrating Technology into the Classroom

To effectively integrate appropriate technologies into the classroom, teachers first need to be comfortable with them. This course provided the opportunity for teachers to become comfortable with many Web 2.0 applications such as wikis, blogs, and podcasts and practice or include them and the twenty-first century skills that accompany them into their classroom setting.
“Research demonstrates that technology can change the nature of your classroom and increase student learning” (Cramer, 2007, p. 131). Transforming one’s class to better meet the needs and work habits of tomorrow’s workforce does not have to be overwhelming, small incremental steps taken over time can lead to major changes (Cramer, 2007). This course has provided teachers with another tool in their instructional repertoire that allows them to create learning opportunities that motivate and address individual needs of students while incorporating State and National Educational Standards, a main goal of educators in the 21st century. No longer is it enough for teachers to simply be well-versed in their subject matter. The 21st century educator must also be skilled in their guidance abilities and be empathetic to the individual needs each student brings to the classroom (Prensky, 2005). Engaging students with digital media tools that allows them to participate in and construct knowledge in subject matter helps students develop 21st century skills with current technologies that better prepares them for lifelong learning and tomorrow’s work environment. Expanding the classroom to include Web 2.0 tools such as blogs and wikis provides unlimited opportunities for social change and infusion of character education into the classroom (Nussbaum-Beach, 2008). As educators must be empathetic with each individual student, each student must be empathetic to the whole new classroom environment these digital technologies open up.
The shift from teacher-centered instructional practices to student-centered or constructivist approaches is essential to effectively teach with technology (Keengwe, et al, 2008). This shift requires faith and skill on the part of the educator as their role shifts from “sage on the stage” to “guide on the side”. This course modeled this transformation well and can serve as a guide for educators wanting to create learning environments where their role as a facilitator or collaborator engages and motivates students in subject matter that is more meaningful for them and creates learning opportunities that they can be successful in.
My long-term goal is to continue transforming my classroom to a student-centered learning environment that honors the uniqueness each student brings to the classroom and effectively delivers the educational standards of the classes I teach. Expanding my Biology Moodle course next year to cover one complete semester and incorporating a blog and wiki with podcasts is the next step I will take to fit the learning styles of the digital native. These additions promote collaborative spaces where students can derive meaning and interest in biology, take appropriate risks in charting their educational experiences, and obtain skills that will allow them to participate as responsible 21st century citizens. My skills and practices regarding integrating technology into my classroom have grown greatly as a result of this class. More importantly, I have had more fun with my classes and colleagues as a result of the collaborative nature these technologies support. As I moved from the rarely/sometimes columns to the sometimes/often columns on all indicators I had a blast and became a more effective communicator as a result. While these transformations cannot and should not occur overnight, to remain effective, teachers and schools should innovate, imagine, and create environments that allow all participants to remain open to continuous learning. As I strive to build an environment that celebrates what each brings to table and opens avenues for students to respond and communicate in appropriate ways, life-long learning habits can flourish for all.


References
Cramer, S. (2007). Update your classroom with learning objects and twenty-first century skills. Clearing House, 80(3), 126–132
Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., & Wachira, P. (2008). The use of computer tools to supportMeaningful learning. AACE Journal, 16(1), 77-92.
Nussbaum-Beach, S. (2008). No limits. Technology & Learning, 28(7), 14–18.
Prensky, M. (2005). Listen to the natives. Educational Leadership.