Week 8 Reflection (EDUC 6711)

I have learned a lot from this class. I know that seems to be endless rhetoric when you reach the end of many WONDERFUL classes offered within our Walden program, but this one has taken the cake thus far. I have learned immensely about things that I have never been aware of and that are so easy to access and use.

In my initial week's assignment regarding our personal theory of learning, I mentioned that I involve more of the applications within the Social Learning theory because many of my lessons are driven by student participation through such activities as discussions and utilizing one another to take part in the group's learning. I still feel that way and value the purpose of discussion and interpersonal relationships. However, after this class, I am eager to incorporate many new, enriching components to liven up the occasionally dull discussions that so many introverts dread and extroverts relish in.

Such activities that involve using a smart board or projector for taking students through a virtual field trip is one technological tool that I grew interest in due to the fact that I am a social studies teacher. Once introduced to Amy Petitgout's 8th grade social studies class in New Jersey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008), I began to think of endless amounts of topics that I could incorporate such a wonderful classroom tool. Making time lines and re-enacting certain historical stories have a tendency to end up in Dullville and gradually lose student interest. When done right and given adequate planning, my students would love such an activity and almost wouldn't even realize that they would be accomplishing the same tasks as they were before when they were bored.

Another technological tool that I definitely intend on purchasing and implementing within the next school year is Voice Thread (http://www.voicethread.com). This is right up my students alley. Most of my students are ridiculously proficient in social networking realms (texting, Facebook, myspace, etc...). Voice Thread (http://www.voicethread.com) provides students with similar networking features and can accommodate a vast amount of educational purpose. I like to think that my chosen technological tools can be used to help solve our "boredom crisis" in our Social Studies wing. This leads me to my long term goals.

As I said above, we have an issue in my social studies department. I am the youngest teacher in our department by nearly 13 years. Of the ten social studies teachers on staff in our building, 8-9 lecture daily and have a weekly quiz of some sort and move each lesson, chapter by chapter, section by section. I understand that certain subjects require following curriculum that is provided by the state (ours is the OGT = Ohio Graduation Tests). However, using these tools would not only provide useful information to the students, but it would be relevant. Whether we like it or not, technology is a bear that is never going to hibernate again. Why not educate our students and prepare them for a life that they will be experiencing and provide them with skills that are needed for this time of day? My first long term goal will be to teach a full year without using a textbook (aside from a resource for certain research). Unfortunately, there will be days that we will not be able to access our computer lab of 30 (shared by nearly 1300 students and faculty daily). Aside from using textbooks for research, I intend on creating a curriculum without the dependency of a textbook written through someone else's perspective. I intend on teaching my students how to challenge what is presented to them and not accept the first thing they hear or read as the ultimate truth. I intend on doing so by incorporating technology.

I know that I have whined many times about my current lack of technology and I apologize. When I do that, I am venting because our administrators in charge present to the community that our technology is competitive and we are "cutting edge" when everyone that is behind the scenes knows that is completely a lie. Politics. Ugghh. Did I mention that I was a social studies teacher? My next long term goal is to apply for grants or some other means of financing for technology in our school, specifically our social studies department. There are many fortunate, successful companies that are willing to donate certain items that they may no longer need but are extremely resourceful in the classroom. Then we could have our vocational schools, or students that are capable, help restore or revamp the computers or tools to the teacher's needs and increase their resources. I tell my seniors that they need to apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. It is free money and they are not going to hunt you down to give you their hard earned money. Why can't that same principle apply to me and my current situation? I know that I am amped up now as a result of this class but I don't mind. It actually serves as proof that I learned much about this class and was thankful to have been enrolled in it.

Dr. Orey (Laureate Education, Inc.,) had a great quote that I will always remember and use to prove a point when he said that we learned more when we went through student teaching or began our first teaching assignment than we did preparing to be a teacher. Students don't want to be talked to for hours on end in an environment that is dull, uninviting and uninspiring. They want to be challenged and pushed. They may not admit it, but when engaged in an effective learning environment that is safe and involves student centered lessons, they are usually active participants. It is my lifelong goal as an educator to work as hard as I can to not only establish and create such an environment but to never be complacent. thanks for reading this.

kevin