Task:
Set Goals and Reflect on My Use of Learning Technologies in My Teaching
Assessment Tool:
NETS 2008
Creativity and Innovation
Goal:
One of my main goals in teaching is to inspire students to learn and to develop their own thoughts. Through technology, I have been able to challenge students to create original pieces of work that are presented in a variety of media.
So far:
In my classroom, in addition to written work, students have the opportunity to express their personal opinions and view through dramatized skits (in person, recorded on video or audio), visuals (PowerPoint presentations or posters), or a combination of several multimedia. In class, I try to use various media to present ideas on the same topic (for example, different products inspired by an abstract concept, such as love, through art, music, stories, and even Shakespeare’s plays). As well, for projects, I give students the option of using technology of their choice, as long as they are able to provide a good reason for using it. In the past, students have presented their version and their understanding of various poems through video, through song, and through other means of media. I want to explore more ways, including incorporation of new media, to challenge and inspire students to develop their critical thinking skills.
Communication and Collaboration
Goal:
Another goal in my teaching is to provide digital-age experiences and assessments designed to develop students’ learning, as Chickering & Gamson state in their article, “Good learning, like good work, is collaborative and social, not competitive and isolated” (1987).
So far:
In my classroom, I encourage students to work with each other, whether through group work or peer editing. One of the tools that I use in my English 12 class is an online blog. After given a specific topic or assignment, students are asked to share their writing or their reflections on the blog. This allows students to learn from their peers and receive feedback from more than one person (usually the teacher). I believe it is important for students to be able to share their thoughts and encouragements with their peers. Also, in my classroom, I use other types of media, including group PowerPoint presentations and group debates. I believe the opportunity to see visual examples or video demonstrations can increases students’ attention and participation in the discussion of what is being presented. I enjoy seeing the energy and the excitement from my students when they are working and presenting with other students. I would like to look into more tools that would not only allow students to feel proud of presenting their own work but engage the audience to participate and learn as well.
Research and Information Fluency
Goal:
Although presentations, such as debates, allow students opportunities to research and gather information online or at the library, in the future, I would like to continue to design lessons that would help students to better develop their skills in researching. I would like to guide my students to learn how to gather, evaluate, process data, and report information effectively. This will also help them be successful when they enter post-secondary or a future career. I feel that technology should be used to equip students with skills for the future, and not be used in the classroom for the sake of using technology in school.
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
Goal:
I would like to explore and evaluate digital-age tools to encourage students’ critical thinking skills. I feel that this is one of the most important skills as students need to learn to plan, research, manage, and make decisions to solve problems on their own. The classroom is just a place for them to practice these skills to prepare them for the real thing in the future.
Digital Citizenship
Goal:
I would like my students to practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
So far:
In my classroom, based in China, I find it difficult for students to avoid plagiarism, especially when the authentic sites and documents are usually censored or difficult to access. Sites such as Google (and related applications such as Google Site, Google Docs, and Blogspot), YouTube, Facebook, and other popular sites are banned, forcing the creating of Baidu, TuDou, XiaoNei and other sites with similar functions as the original sites. When online, my students have demonstrated respect for their peers’ ideas and opinions. As well, after my students have graduated and entered universities overseas, I am happy to see that they continue to use websites, such as Blogspot, and demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.
Technology Operations and Concepts
Goal:
I would like to continually update myself in effective ways to incorporate technology in the classrooms, to improve my teaching, and to encourage students’ learning.
So far:
In my classroom, I have tried to incorporate as many technology options to my students as possible. I allow my students to use technology that I am not familiar with, as long as I am given a draft proposal of what they want to do and how it relates to the assignment. I enjoy learning about new technological tools from my students. I understand that technology will always be developing, and I would like to be able to learn to evaluate these tools effectively before using them in the classroom.
Work Cited:
Chickering, A. W. & Gamson, Z. F. (1987). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education, American Association for Higher Education & Accreditation. Retrieved from http://www.aahea.org/bulletins/articles/sevenprinciples1987.htm
International Society for Technology in Education (2007). The ISTE national educational technology standards (NETSoS) and performance indicators for students. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf