Reflective Post - Dec. 24, 2009

As a grad student who is proudly half way through the selected program, I have sharpened my skills as an educator, and learned a great deal about myself along the way. When one enters the field of education, it is natural to want to change the aspects that were not desirable throughout personal experience K-12. One of the things I hated most about high school were the teachers who treated students like middle school students. Those that felt the need to tell you every little detail about everything, and were determined to not allow you to think on your own and move at your own pace (even if that was faster than some others), really drove me crazy. I hadn't really taken the time to realize the impact my own frustration as a student has had on my teaching practice until I designed a unit plan that integrated more technology. This plan made me really think of the time that would be needed to introduce each step of the lesson, provide guided practice, sufficient time to complete the assignment, and a back-up plan for those who were absent or needed other modifications. Throughout the design of the unit that would integrate new literacy skills, I realized that I often do not provide sufficient preparation time for my students. As digital natives, I presume that they should have the same technological literacy I had in high school; therefore, are not in need of, and would be hindered by, detailed explanation of how to effectively use the basic tools set before them.

This realization will help transform my teaching practices as I continue to incorporate more twenty-first century learning skills and technological literacies into my classroom. I will be more conscious during the planning stages to ensure that sufficient time, direct instruction, and guided practice are provided for students who may not have adequate technological skills. Furthermore, my personal experience from high school will allow those who are confident to begin the assignment on their own and work at a comfortable pace. It is not a crime for a student to finish early, or to be the last one to finish. In a time when students can be as busy as adults, those who finish early can manage their time productively and complete other work to benefit their busy schedules.

As I continue to incorporate new literacy skills into my classroom, it is my goal to stay current on technological developments that can benefit the educational process. Although my school lacks equipment, I want to be prepared for the day when more technology is available for my use. In order to further my knowledge, I would like to locate professional development classes that will demonstrate the usage of electronic portfolios, flip cameras, and distance learning technology. By seeking professional development opportunities that will increase my knowledge, not only will I benefit, but my current and future students will also benefit through the incorporation of increased technological literacies and educational networking.