As I near the end of my technology class, I have to consider how far I've come this semester. Honestly, technology is a hard road for me. Although I grew up with the computer and Internet at my disposal, many elements of computer use are simply not intuitive for me. However, throughout the course of this class, not only have I improved my knowledge of technology and Internet resources significantly, I have also developed a very real appreciation for the vital role technology can play in educating the current and future generation of students.
I remember a coworker once pointed out to me that most teachers are people who did well in the school environment and excelled in the established system. What he meant was that most teachers often see the intrinsic value of education and tend to be motivated by that assessment. However, as generations of students are susceptible to increasing technological influences, the landscape of education must adapt to our technology driven world. Even students who are naturally suited to the classroom environment are still held to the trappings of their influences. Children are exposed to vast and limitless technology. I will not teach a single group of high school students who will remember a time before the Internet existed. I barely even remember it myself. These paradigm shifts are significant and defining. Teachers must learn to step outside of their own influences and adapt to the needs of the children they serve.
Reflection and evolution are not unfamiliar practices to educators. Many engage in regular reflective practices and adapt their teaching based on their observations. It also should be said that incorporating technology into the classroom is not a new concept for practicing teachers. However, I think teachers are often told what they need to do, but rarely have immediate access to the tools and knowledge they need to actually integrate technology effectively. Therefore, a class like this one should be mandatory for all education programs.
I feel confident that the knowledge I gained during this class will assist me in my career as a teacher. However, I also know that it will be my responsibility to take the tools I've learned about, actively apply them to my lessons in meaningful ways that ultimately promote student learning, and continually seek out new tools and opportunities to engage my students through multimedia. Possibly the most significant lesson of this class has been the importance of recognizing the difference in effective technology integration in the classroom and technology merely for technology's sake. This distinction is part of the reason why a technology course is so significant to the education of teachers. Being able to integrate technology effectively, resulting solely in enhanced student learning and engagement will be a challenge in the years to come. However, I anticipate it will also be fun and exciting to see where technology leads me and my students in the future!
