A Reflection on Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society
My introduction to the Web 2.0 classroom through this course has been an inspirational learning experience that reinforces the knowledge that learning is a continuous process for all. As a professional, I must continuously learn even though I am competent in my discipline. Embracing those societal changes that affect our community, world, and workplace, I must become competent enough to skillfully lead and guide my students to a world where learning is no longer teacher-centered but learner-centered with the learner (the student) in control of his learning and where learning is no longer restricted to the four walls of the classroom but extended to the four corners of the world.
This class has given me a new appreciation of the computer. Previously, I saw the computer as a great research tool with the added abilities of personal banking, emailing, on-line bill pay, and game activities. I used its social networking abilities to renew friendships and stay connected through several Web sites. Now, I see the computer as a tool for sharing ideas through collaborative efforts using the blog, wiki, and podcast. Learning to use these Web tools effectively, I can show my students that learning through networking embraces unlimited boundaries, cultures, genders, or generations.
My knowledge of the teaching and learning processes is that to be an effective teacher, I must be an effective learner. Keeping an open mind, I must embrace learning with the enthusiasm necessary to create excitement for present and future learning in not just myself but also in the lives of those whose education has been partially entrusted to me. It has become my professional obligation to open the doors of learning opportunities that give alternatives and choices for and of learningl To adequately open these doors, I must continue to expand my knowledge of learning, teaching and leading with technology to increase student achievement through exposure to the many ideas of other professionals, peers, and scholars of many types. It is a necessity for me to become competent in using technological tools and stay updated with its advances by staying involve in the Web 2.0 through classes, seminars, Webinars, and other innovative instruction.
As a high school English teacher, two long-term goals that I am going to set is to replace my textbook with Web classes so that my students will be able to access the most current information and to produce works in collaborative ways as added information or enrichment for the audience that reads, consumes, and responds to it. To accomplish these goals, I will have to be competent enough to be an advocate for the use of Web 2.0 in education, not just in my classroom. Through my competency, I will be able to confront and overcome any institutional or systemic obstacles that may occur.
Since I have come to the completion of this course, many of my initial responses to the checklist have changed because now I clearly see that the traditional classroom does not allow the interactivity required by our society. I must step pass the teacher voice of the traditional classroom and embrace the multiple voices of the collaborative world filled with many ideas and schools of thought.
2 Responses to “A Reflection on Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society”
Dr. Howe saidJune 29, 2009 at 1:37 pm e
Shirley,
One word sums your reflection – WOW! Your enthusiasm is infectious and I trust that you will continue in this frame of mind throughout this new school year. Does your school have a technology committee? If so, I hope you are an active member of it.
Dr. Howe
Shirley Larry saidJuly 1, 2009 at 8:28 pm e
Thanks, Dr. Howe, and I am optimistic about my abilities to have my supervisors share my enthusiasm. We have no technology committee. There has never been any suggestion to create one, but it is a thought for the upcoming year.I have been so intrigued with the Web 2.0 tools that I have studied because I can see their importance in providing valuable learning experiences for my students. I see these tools, too, as possible instruments of equity in education.
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