New and Emerging Technologies: Reflection

I have learned a great deal from this course. I not only gained a wealth of information regarding the value of implementing new and emerging technologies in my classroom and school, but also how to carry out the successful implementation.

I feel that the assignment that we completed in weeks 6 and 7 of this course, our game plan for implementing new technologies, was very valuable. I was able to reflect on what I have learned and form a plan on the steps I will carry out. New and emerging technologies are effective tools for fostering 21st century learning. Democratization of knowledge, participatory learning, and authentic learning are the necessary change agents that must be present, for students to achieve the type of learning necessary for them to be successful in the world today. Students learn best through activating their prior knowledge, working and interacting with others, as well as being able to apply their learning to real-world situations. Teachers should utilize these 21st Century change agents to plan and guide their instruction. It is evident that this type of instruction engages students by fostering interest ad therefore motivating them to take an active role in their learning. The interactions that are made possible help students to build meaning through problem-based and inquiry learning. Students are also able to construct knowledge through experience and therefore better retain what they learn. Tapping into a students prior knowledge is also a highly effective strategy.

I enjoyed the opportunity to design my personal game-plan for implementing new and emerging technologies. I felt the assignment required us to think through the steps of actually and successfully implementing these changes from start to finish. Immediate steps that I will be taking are to first educate my administrators and colleagues in the benefits and endless possibilities that are available to us as teachers and our students through the use of several new and emerging technologies. My next step will be to seek and request funding through an educational grant to ensure that students are given the opportunities to learn with these valuable tools. I also plan to continue to remain current in the area of technology education and to be a continuous learner so I may provide my students and the students in my school with the knowledge and opportunities to be successful in learning, and in life.

Sarah Horner