Final Reflection

In this course of emerging technology, much information was introduced. I had the understanding of using websites, blogs, wikis and PowerPoint in the classroom, along with using the LCD projector. However, it never occurred to me on using gaming, multimodal, online learning classrooms or how to maximize internet usage.

The application on week seven, demonstrated my learning and my growth in integrating technology into the classroom. For example, I developed a lesson plan that allows students to use “clouding” (Johnson, Levine, Smith & Smythe, 2009, p 19), where students are able to view a PowerPoint to learn a new concept. Along with learning, students are able to read the comments, more so what each character is saying, at their own pace, creating differentiated instructions for my students. Along with the “clouding”, I also learned of a website that was free of charge that ran just like the college online classes, Rcampus.com (2010). This allowed me us expand my classroom into the virtual world, causing students to collaborate with each other for the assignment. I, not only encouraged academic vocabulary skills, but I also encouraged the social skills of my students during this activity. During the time I was exploring the virtual realm, I also came to the realization that I need to be aware of the capabilities of my computer. Running a multimodal software, such as second life, would require much space, RAM and amongst other things in order to run properly. Having this learnt, I feel that my ability to research the on the web of various grant databases, writing a proper proposal, and the support of my future administrators, I know that I have grown in this area due to this class. I even made a demonstration on what I would write about in the grant writings if I were to execute it in reality.

My immediate adjustments to identify and search for emerging technology that may potentially transform the classroom would be first, feed off of other blogs that continuously discuss about the new technologies. Also, in the virtual world of Second Life, there was a group that was specifically for emerging technologies, thus going back to the site will be very informative. Along with this, there are multiple websites that have teachers collaborate on wikis, or blogs to share their ideas on new technologies. After reviewing, I would defiantly see if there is technology that I could use for my classroom teachings. Most emerging technology, any subject can improve student’s understanding better then teachers lecturing. Finding enough evidence, I would compile a plan and the resources /research to back up my idea before presenting it to my administrators. Along with this, I would also find a grant that may apply to the change and support of this emerging technology. Once the proposal is written, I would present the information to the administration and be prepared in answering any questions they may have. If approved, then the proposal will be sent, and answers to be awaited on. The writing portion of the grant proposal was extremely helpful. Because of this course, I am more prepared in introducing my ideas with more power behind it. If it was not for this course, I would not have the proper tools, resources or the research behind an idea before bring up the idea to administration. Perhaps, this may have been a reason for the technology integration rejection from my previous school. Next time, I will be better prepared.

I thoroughly enjoyed this class and wish I had more time to learn more; however, I fell more prepared to turn my classroom into the 21st century classroom and have a plan on how to transform it. With a goal in mind, a clear path shall come into site. I will be the leader of a social change in my future school employment. Thank you Walden University and their wonderful supportive faculty.

Resources:

Johnson, L., Levine, A., Smith, R., & Smythe, T. (2009). The 2009 Horizon Report: K-12 Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.

Rcampus. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.rcampus.com/