So far, the SMART conferences I have attended have truly opened my eyes to the possibilities of incorporating more technology into my every daily lessons. By creating a plan and moving towards my goals, I have already started developing new lessons. I have learned that even the smallest aspect of technology enriches my lessons tenfold. I am still working towards learning more of what my SMART products can achieve for both my students and me. I am still learning how to utilize all of the functions successfully.
At this point, I still want to maintain the same goals because I still need to work on being a leader for my faculty by staying informed of new products and implementing them in my classroom as a living example. With technology changing at such an astronomical rate, I need to continue to strive to keep up with the latest trends. I know that this is going to be an ongoing process, and so I have to make sure that it becomes a continuous goal. However, at the same time, “You should focus on how to use technology to engage 21st-century learners, rather than on the technology itself” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 192).
I will continue to extend my learning by employing my newly acquired knowledge in my classroom and sharing it with my colleagues. I will also make an effort to maintain my professional development through web seminars and other conferences. However, it is not enough to just attend, I will continue to learn so that I can remain as a presenter for various SMART conferences.
The best way to improve my learning is through practice. I cannot be afraid to try new technologies within my classroom. I cannot get into a comfort zone or be satisfied with the status quo. I have to realize what benefits arise from my learning for my students. Technology is a way for me to peer into the minds of my students (Laureate, 2009a), and I need to continue to learn for their benefit, and I am excited about the possibilities.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009a). Spotlight on technology part I. Social networking and online collaboration. Baltimore: Author
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Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a good point, we will not become better eduators if we do not go out on a limb every once in awhile and try something new. I am one of those teachers who is constantly changing my lessons every year. I always want to be able to provide more for my students and make my lessons better.
It sounds like you have made some outstanding progress on you GAME plan. I think it would be interesting to go to some SMART conferences to learn new ideas, I may have to put that on my list of things to do.
Good Job!
Kaleena
Christina,
ReplyDeleteI commend the approach that you have taken towards the use of technology in your practice. I feel motivated to regard technology in the way that you have described it in your third to last sentence, and that is, it is an avenue to use to get into the minds of students.
I believe I have a measure of the desire to keep up to date with the latest technology and in turn, use them in my lessons. However, I find that I need a little more of the "get go" in order to truly reap the benefits of using them.
All the best with your personal learning goals as you attend the various conferences.
Jewel Meikle
HS English/Literature