EDUC-6713I-5 Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas- Final Blog Post

As I look back on the GAME Plan I have developed throughout this course, I realize how excited I am for the new school year to start. I hope to have the web cast with another Biology class sometime in November. I am on track to compete this task. All of the hardware is at school just waiting to be used, and I have the connections in place to have the another class Skype us. The only thing I am waiting for is my roster to see what periods I have class my Biology class.

Throughout this class, I have been able to flex my creative muscles to consider multiple perspectives on the issues I face in class (Cennamo, Ross,& Ertmer, 2009.) The only obstical has been my confidence to move into unchartered territory of certain Web 2.0 tools. I have always used fun and creative pedogoagies within my classroom but this task will probably be my biggest accomplishment. Just a Katherine Cennamo stated in the Laeurate DVD, it is necessary to think in different ways for creative thinkers, and promote self regulated learners (2009.) I feel it is most important that students in high school learn how to plan, monitor, evaluate, and be actively involved in their learning to fully reap the benefits of learning inside and out of the classroom. This a key aspect of authentic learning is a great way to prepare for higher education as well as the work force. By helping learners appreciate their own accomplishments, understand the process that enabled those accomplishments, learners gain important metacognative skills (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009.) Research has shown that reflection, a form of metacognition, is a vital component of authentic learning (Leaurate DVD, 2009.) It is my goal as a 21st Century educator to utilize the best methodologies I know to prepare my students. Authentic learning approaches have helped me in this class and others. I hope that I can aid my students by teaching them strategies and keeping them focused on their learning goals. This class has allowed me to utilize my peers to bounce ideas off of and gain great ideas for my classroom.

I really don't believe that I have to make any adjustments to my instructional practices. From the first day of class, I set the standard in my classroom. The students know how they are to act within the wall of my classroom but also in regards to the web, email, and social networking. We have a very structured policies, in regards to, the internet and classroom behaviors and the expectations that they will be held to. This helps the students realize that we do not tolerate bad behaviors or horse play and disciplinary action will be taken if unethical or inappropriate behaviors arise.

References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009.) Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc. custom ed.,. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cenage Learning.

Laureate Education Inc. (Executive Producer.) (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author