Lessons Learned

I think one of my biggest concerns after reading and watching all of these articles and videos is that truly everything is going technology based, and I am worried that students are not being educated enough on technology. From my field experiences in the past I have learned that not very many teachers, especially the ones who have been there for a long time, integrate technology into their classrooms. I think that this is such a fault, especially the way things are going these days with technology EVERYTHING. One thing that I was glad I learned was the NET standards of educational technology. It was a great plus to see what my strengths and weaknesses are considering these standards. I think it is so important for me to become experts on all these standards so I can promote them in my classroom.

I also learned that when we use technology, as a teacher, it is our responsibility to know that integrating technology is more than just teaching the basic computer skills. I believe that too many teachers out there feel that if they have their students attend a keyboarding class that this is enough technology integration, and this is FALSE! Technology integration should support these components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction, and connection to real-world experts. I think it was so important for me to realize that technology integration is so much more than just the basic skills, and in order for me to adequately integrate technology I must be sure to support these four components of learning. This way I am deepening and enhancing the learning of all my students.

I think that this assignment was extremely important to make me aware of my strengths, this way I do not spend so much time in these areas that I am good at. Also, it made me aware of my weaknesses so that way I can spend time in these areas and better prepare myself for these. I think the most important thing that I have learned through this experience is that technology is never going to stop improving and changing. It is so important for me, as a teacher, to continue to become a lifelong student of technology. I need to continue to learn the latest and greatest to make sure I know it well enough to educate my students on it. The video "Did You Know" really opened my eyes, and made me realize that it is my responsibility to continue to grow and enhance my learning on technology or else I will be completely drowned with all the technology, which is not fair to the education of my students. I must continue to learn to the best of my ability so I can integrate technology and teach my future students all about technology.