Growth in Technology

Technology is very crucial in incorporating it into today's classrooms.  As I assess myself as a student, I am very pleased with overcoming the fear of learning how to use technology within my classroom.  I feel more comfortable in using and implementing the technology tools I have learned during this course.  My PLN has grown and will continue to grow.  As I assess myself as a teacher, I "fear not" the use of technology.  I understand that technology engages students more and teaches them many of the 21st century learning skills.  As I continue to develop effective teaching strategies, I will be more willing to learn how to use new technology and implement them into my classroom.

There are many ways I can encourage my fellow colleagues to engage themselves in all the ongoing development of educational technology.  As a department chair, I can suggest that they use resources such as Twitter and educational blogs to stay up-to-date on emerging technology.  I can also hold professional development courses for all my co-workers to introduce and teach how these resources can be implemented into their own ongoing learning.  As I become more involved and knowledgeable with these tools, I can become a part of other teachers Personal Learning Network.  I feel that Twitter, educational blogs, and Web 2.0 tools can be used to facilitate these goals

Technology Concerns in My Classroom

I have several concerns when it comes to incorporating various internet technology into my teaching strategies.  The first concern is whether or not the technology tool will actually work.  I think this is the most frustrating when I only have a specific amount of time to get stuff done and then it doesn't function properly.  A couple of ways to alleviate this concern is to become proficient in using the tool and always prepare for the worst by having a backup plan.

With the new teaching evaluation going into affect next year in Indiana, I will have to focus on the RISE rubric.  I now am concerned with not having the time to incorporate new internet technologies into my teaching strategies because I have to meet these new objectives.  I feel as if I am going to have to focus on meeting all parts of the new evaluation so that I can be classified as an effective or highly effective teacher instead of trying new technology tools.  I think after I get used to the new evaluation tool, I will be able to incorporate various internet technology.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11