Don't Look Back. Something Might Be Gaining on You
Who knows what the future will bring? There are so many aspects of the future which are uncertain. I am, however, certain about one thing; I will continue to learn as I progress into my future. Completing this MAET program has made me realize how much I absolutely love to learn new information. This thirst for learning is one of the biggest reasons I became an educator. Education is constantly evolving and new ideas are being presented, so a love of learning is extremely important. Without it, I would be floating along, staying stagnant in my profession, which is a profession that prides itself on being progressive. My "future as a learner" consists of modeling a technologically advanced classroom, expanding my professional development in the field of technology integration, and providing leadership in my school in the realm of technology.
I am constantly trying to integrate technology in my science classroom. One would think that a science classroom would be an easy fit for technology. The idea of technology in a science classroom makes perfect sense; after all, science and technology are used synonymously in many ways. However, most teachers know what is theory and what is put into practice can be two different things. Currently, I have six computers in my classroom, and only three of them can get online. I am working with our technology person to get them working, so I can use the computers to differentiate instruction. There are instances where I am allowing students to use their phones to get on the Internet. The challenge here is that all students do not have cellular devices or cellular devices with Internet. Those who do have cellular phones have signed up for Remind 101, a safe way to text students reminders about assignments, projects, and quizzes. I am also using Weebly to create and maintain class websites for students to keep up-to-date with assignments, get extra help, and review notes and lectures. I want to integrate more Quia activities into my classroom. Students seem to enjoy the different games on the site, as well as like taking tests and quizzes online where they get immediate feedback. My school has an iPad cart available which I want to use more in my class to have students document different types of work they complete. For example, when we make models of the atom in the classroom, iPads will allow them to take photos of their finished projects that can be displayed on the class website or class blog. There are so many ways to use technology in my classroom that there are not enough hours in the day to devise ways to accommodate it for my classes.
Another goal I have is to expand my professional development in the field of technology integration. In order to complete this goal, I plan to attend various professional conferences. The most prominent professional conference to attend is the National Science Teachers Association's conferences. The NSTA holds regional conferences and one national conference every year at different locations across the United States. There are many conference sessions to choose from, and most recently, there are have been conference strands focused on technology. The conference is most useful to me as a teacher because most presenters are classroom teachers, so they are knowledgeable in using and integrating technology in the classroom. Another professional conference I would like to attend is the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). This event discusses the use of technology in the classroom as well, and draws educators of all content areas together. It encourages the integration of technology to connect learners from all over the world. Since I teach overseas, I am interested in keeping my students connected with other students from other places.
The last goal I have is to provide leadership in my school in the realm of technology. I feel that this is the most difficult goal to achieve. Many teachers in my school are wary of technology and the way it can enhance education. I want to help other teachers become more comfortable using technology in the classroom. In order to achieve this goal, I will be presenting a session at one of our institute days about using technology. During our plan periods, I am planning on offering to help teachers who are interested in learning new ways to use web-based technology in their classrooms. I am developing lesson plans which are integrating technology into various content areas, and I will share them with colleagues in order to foster more use of technology in our classrooms.
My "future as a learner" consists of me "not looking back, something might be gaining on you." Satchel Paige had it right. I need to continue moving forward, looking forward. Technology is going to keep evolving, and in order to stay current, I need to keep evolving with it. Learning new things is one of the reasons I became a teacher, and completing this program is helping me realize how much I absolutely love to learn new things.
I am constantly trying to integrate technology in my science classroom. One would think that a science classroom would be an easy fit for technology. The idea of technology in a science classroom makes perfect sense; after all, science and technology are used synonymously in many ways. However, most teachers know what is theory and what is put into practice can be two different things. Currently, I have six computers in my classroom, and only three of them can get online. I am working with our technology person to get them working, so I can use the computers to differentiate instruction. There are instances where I am allowing students to use their phones to get on the Internet. The challenge here is that all students do not have cellular devices or cellular devices with Internet. Those who do have cellular phones have signed up for Remind 101, a safe way to text students reminders about assignments, projects, and quizzes. I am also using Weebly to create and maintain class websites for students to keep up-to-date with assignments, get extra help, and review notes and lectures. I want to integrate more Quia activities into my classroom. Students seem to enjoy the different games on the site, as well as like taking tests and quizzes online where they get immediate feedback. My school has an iPad cart available which I want to use more in my class to have students document different types of work they complete. For example, when we make models of the atom in the classroom, iPads will allow them to take photos of their finished projects that can be displayed on the class website or class blog. There are so many ways to use technology in my classroom that there are not enough hours in the day to devise ways to accommodate it for my classes.
Another goal I have is to expand my professional development in the field of technology integration. In order to complete this goal, I plan to attend various professional conferences. The most prominent professional conference to attend is the National Science Teachers Association's conferences. The NSTA holds regional conferences and one national conference every year at different locations across the United States. There are many conference sessions to choose from, and most recently, there are have been conference strands focused on technology. The conference is most useful to me as a teacher because most presenters are classroom teachers, so they are knowledgeable in using and integrating technology in the classroom. Another professional conference I would like to attend is the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). This event discusses the use of technology in the classroom as well, and draws educators of all content areas together. It encourages the integration of technology to connect learners from all over the world. Since I teach overseas, I am interested in keeping my students connected with other students from other places.
The last goal I have is to provide leadership in my school in the realm of technology. I feel that this is the most difficult goal to achieve. Many teachers in my school are wary of technology and the way it can enhance education. I want to help other teachers become more comfortable using technology in the classroom. In order to achieve this goal, I will be presenting a session at one of our institute days about using technology. During our plan periods, I am planning on offering to help teachers who are interested in learning new ways to use web-based technology in their classrooms. I am developing lesson plans which are integrating technology into various content areas, and I will share them with colleagues in order to foster more use of technology in our classrooms.
My "future as a learner" consists of me "not looking back, something might be gaining on you." Satchel Paige had it right. I need to continue moving forward, looking forward. Technology is going to keep evolving, and in order to stay current, I need to keep evolving with it. Learning new things is one of the reasons I became a teacher, and completing this program is helping me realize how much I absolutely love to learn new things.