Despite have considerable years in the classroom, I have not, as of yet, been able to integrate nearly enough technology into our educational setting.  While being older, and not have grown up with many of the technologies that many view as standard practice is certainly one reason, not knowing is really the main reason.

The main reason to enrol in MET is to gain knowledge and practice of the many digital technologies “out there”.  My district, and especially the school I teach at, is lacking in both the technology, and the impetus to use it, when compared to situations posted in this and other discussion forums.  Six months ago I had never even heard of Moodle, and had never written in a blog.  While PowerPoint and instructional video have found their way into my classroom, both have been used as “purveyors of knowledge”, and have found little role in allowing  students to manage their own educational goals, or  assess their own progress, as set out in NET standards.  Some change is coming, and I will have access to a smart-board this semester.  With some basic in-service and new found confidence and enthusiasm, I look forward to launching this and other technologies into my math instruction.

I am finding that risk-taking, especially regarding technology, is contagious.  So many reflections have classmates sharing success and setbacks.  Colleagues are eager to share what knowledge they possess, pitfalls and short cuts.  The power found in Communities of Knowledge is overwhelming and it is becoming abundantly clear that technologies have the power to create such communities, both inside and outside of the classroom walls.  Part of my flight path is to continue promote such communities with my students.

The one technology that I have employed in my classroom for many years and with positive results is the Graphing Calculator.  Hand-held, individual or collaborative, the calculator offers many affordances, both economically and educationally.  I recall the early years when my students and I spent countless hours “playing” with the calculators, learning from each other, laughing at our mistakes.  Now, with exposure to other technologies, I am hoping to learn and laugh and play as our collective journey in Digital Education continues.