Final Blog....Tech Integration

Looking back at this past term, I have come to realize that technology can be used in a variety of ways in and out of the classroom, whether it be for students and their educational development, or for my own education and professional learning networks.
Moving forward, I plan on incorporating WebQuests as a major part of my students’ curriculum. I find that with technological changes and advancements, that is would be a disservice to the future generation, not to embrace technology in the classroom. Initially I was of the opinion that WebQuests were geared for homework assignments and research projects, but have to understand that I can incorporate the computer and the Internet through each lesson plan as I choose. WebQuests can also give students more productive interaction with their peers and help create strong communication skills in and out of the classroom.
Other tools that will be helpful in my career as an educator will be to use study guides like Study Island or Wolfram Alpha. Not only is important for students to learn and comprehend work while in the classroom, but it’s equally important for students to continue practicing their lessons without the help of teachers in order to test their abilities. It’s my hope that my students will not only look to me as their educator, but use me as a guide in and out of the classroom with the use of the computer and Internet.
It’s also my hope that I can continue to maintain and develop strong healthy PLNs so I may become as advanced in my career as a doctor might be towards medicine, or a computer engineer towards software. It’s my desire to always be an educator and always be a student. I will make every opportunity to develop strong PLNs through programs such as Twitter, eBlog, Facebook, and EdTechTalk, etc.
Lastly, I’m pleased that we were offered the opportunity to take a course like EDU 533, offering us insights as to how we can use technology within the classroom. Looking back, I feel more confident not only in using technology in the classroom, but helping my students prepare for the technological world in which we current encounter, as well as the technological future ahead of us.

PLNs...

It appears as though PLNs can be great tools to help teachers get started with networking in order to become familiar with certain aspectis of teaching such as lesson plans, classroom management, students at risk, etc... These tools might include Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, etc. This can be an opportunity for teachers to learn from other educators and their experiences. Not only can educators collaborate via PLNs, but this is also an opportunity for teachers to give back to others as well.