Emerging Technology Reflection

As I look at what I have done in my week 6 and 7 assignments I cannot believe how much new technology I have learned about. Beyond learning about the technology it amazes me that I have learned enough about it to feel comfortable integrating it into my classroom. The assignments show just about everything that I have learned in this class. The "plan" incorporates new technologies like web camera, internet resources Skype, learning management systems like RCampus.com, and the ability to learn a class off site. The thought process behind this is to allow the students to gain the knowledge of the class without being in the classroom. I need to accomplish this because the budget constraints of my district will not allow the accelerated eighth graders the opportunity to come to the high school to take my Honors Geometry class. So, with what I have learned in this class I have offered up a way for those students to continue to take the class without having to travel to the high school.

This class has allowed me to put together a presentation for the board that will allow for an off campus learning environment. The ability to explain to the board how all of this technology works together and allows for students learning will be a huge benefit. Then, I can expand this program to not only the honors students, but also to students who do not learn well in a classroom and have failed multiple classes. This class also forced me to look into ways to fund these programs through grants. By showing the board of education that students can still reach their standards and the 21st century skills through this program and they do not have to pay for it but will instead save money I am sure that they will gladly approve of the program.

Last, this class has opened my eyes to all of the technology that is out there to use in the classroom. I have always been a "tech geek", but it is amazing how much technology is out there that I never really considered using in the classroom. With everything that I have already learned in the class it has inspired me to continue to look for conferences and learning opportunities dealing with technology. It has also brought me to the forefront of technology in the classroom in my district. This will allow me to teach other teachers how to use the technology in my district and hopefully open the eyes of many educators to how useful technology can be in education. Hopefully I can lead by example and show student success through technology and keep moving the district forward in educational technology. I am very appreciative of all this class has given me, and I cannot wait to continue the journey throughout the years to come.