Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society Reflection
When I take time to reflect on Walden University’s EDUC-6710I-2 Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society the most prominent thought that comes to mind is one of confidence. I, and others in the class, referred to this during several of the discussion this term. I began my career over 25 years ago teaching Wood Shop. As I have evolved with the times I successfully taught Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD), Desk Top Publishing, Web-Page Design, as well as video production. This course has helped me to continue to develop my own technology skills to the point where I now have my own Blog, and have collaborated with classmates to develop a Wiki. In addition I have recently completed a successful Podcast assignment. Just a few months ago the thought of completing these activities would have bee a source of great trepidation. It was the confidence I have gained during my evolution that made Blogging, Podcasting and using Wikis less stressful. One example of this was when I first attempted to manipulate Audacity software for a Podcast assignment. I was able to draw a parallel to the video production I had used in the past. The success I had with Podcasting will provide additional confidence as I tackle new technological challenges in the future.
During this course we had an opportunity to explore and discuss the teaching and learning process. Technology has had a great impact on education. Today’s student is a different type of learner and the roll of the teacher has changed. Student come to school with a skill set that is much different than when I started teaching. Today’s teachers not only need to recognize but also embrace their multitasking abilities. Things that were considered a distraction in the classroom in the past are now recognized as valuable resources. Just a few years ago students where not allowed to access Blogs and now they are becoming part of regular class assignments. I have many students who work better while listening to music yet my school still has policy against it. Another topic we covered in our course was the movement from teacher-centered to learner-centered instruction. I certainly see this happening in other content area in my school as well as in my own children’s. However as a Technology Education teacher my students spend the majority of their time collaborating, problem solving, and completing assignments that revolve around projects.
As I continue to expand my knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology I will rely on the information covered in this class and my belief in life long learning. As I make goals for myself as a leader in education I find myself in a marvelous position to implement technology in the classroom. Just yesterday I learned I will have new teaching assignment next year and I am thrilled! I will part of the opening of a new state of the art facility in a brand new building. I will be teaching Woodworking, what I began teaching after college, and Foundations of Technology what I have evolved into teaching. Although the building is still under construction I have been in a different building in my district with the same floor plan. There is a traditional woodshop with big beautiful windows that will be extremely well equipped. In an adjacent room separated with big glass windows is a small combination classroom and computer lab complete with a Promethean Board. As I told my supervisor yesterday “If I could have any job in the state of Maryland this is the job I would want” I look forward to collaborating with my new faculty members and attending any and all necessary training that will enable me to use the available technology to meet the needs of my neomillennial learners.
In closing I want to thank all of my classmate for their support, assistance, kind complements, and thought provoking discussion postings. I enjoyed the diverse writing styles and varied opinions. I commend those who went out of their way to lend assistance to colleagues who encountered problems and had frustrating moments. That attitude made me want to try in to lend assistance to others as well. Have a great summer everyone.
“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”. Ralph Waldo Emerson
CW
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
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