The Goal

So, what does it all mean?

It means, things are changing.  The way students are taught is changing.  The way that teachers teach is changing.  The way teachers, students and parents communicate is changing.  School is changing.

Change isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  Sure, it is a bit scary to branch off and try something new.  But, it can also be exciting.  One of the beautiful things about change is that it doesn’t have to happen all at once because change will always be there.

So, what does it all mean for me?  Well, as a teacher I need to be willing to change for the betterment of my students.  I will need to constantly evaluate the tools I use and the way I help my students learn.  I need to keep what works and be willing to replace that which does not.  Some changes may be huge shifts and others may be baby steps.  But, it in the end, if it benefits the students, then change is necessary.  As I become more familiar and more comfortable with using technology, then my students will only benefit.

I have had great concern about reaching students with different learning styles.  As I have found, technology is not synonymous with video or visual media.  Other senses can be stimulated.  I also found that many sets of skills are used when using the different technologies and higher order skills can be challenged.

So, what does it all mean?  It means that it is just the beginning.  It is always a beginning!

I look forward to my journey to become the tech savvy teacher in the epilogue.  Once all the pieces are in place, it makes for a nice picture.  Everything is organized and manageable.  It helps the teacher stay on top of things, it allows the students different, more engaging ways to demonstrate understanding of concepts and it reaches the parents in a timely manner all without losing contact with the students. 

I suppose I am still trying to break away from my presumption about technology in the classroom.  Mention technology infused classroom and a picture of a silent classroom where no one is interacting with each other but instead everyone is looking at a computer screen jumps to mind.  I would not want to lose that personal contact with the students.  Technology does not drive a wedge between teacher and student.  If anything, it can connect teachers and students by helping the teacher excite students about learning.