Journal+Reflection+Module+4


 * // Reflect on your thinking surrounding your developing a philosophy of Instructional Technology use for learning and your understanding of 21st Century Teaching and Learning. // **

This week's module focused on the term, 21st Century Skills through the reading of Chapter 3 of ISTE. Also, I began to think about and develop my own personal philosophy of Instructional Technology.
 * __ Description __// : // **

When I did my student teaching in the spring of 2008, the school I was at was of lower economic standing and the students came from financially troubled families. While in this district, I noticed that technology was considered a luxury to the staff and students. Technology was barely used and when it was used, it was considered the highlight of the day (to some). However, the technology that was available within the school was by no means a luxury. The operating systems and devices were out of date and provided more of a headache due to technology failures and problems. When I think back to my experience, I realize that the school's technology was "ancient" and outdated and I'm sure that some of the students had access to better technology outside of school. This is a great example of the technology and curriculum gap that was addressed in this module.
 * __ Impact __// : // **

As I am now in a different district, I see many of the gaps still exist today. The type of devices being used are improving, from such devices as iPods, iPads, interactive curriculum websites, etc. However, I still see students that use these types of devices to simply complete a task. They simply log on to a website, complete the assigned readings, and then walk away with no acquired new technology skills. To me, even though students have used technology for the lesson, they have no learned any new technological skills. This is not what technology is supposed to be. Students need to learn new skills, both academic and technological, when using technology. This will better prepare them for the following years when they decide to pursue a college degree and land a career.

Students should be able to transfer their knowledge to different areas. For example, in Language Arts class, my co-teacher and I stress the importance of using test taking strategies on any kind of test, especially the dreaded Ohio Achievement Assessment. We even talk about the different types of tests and subjects that they could use the strategies on. However, I have talked to my students about transferring their knowledge of test taking strategies to other classes. I've asked, "Are you using test taking strategies on the tests or quizzes?" The response I normally get is, "I didn't know I could do that." At this point, my eyes are bulging and I have to pick my mouth up off the ground. They didn't know they could do this? I feel like this is the same thing with technology. My students are so obsessed with Facebook, texting, Xbox, and other digital media types outside of school. I want to show them that these everyday outside of school technologies can be used within the classroom and for a variety of other reasons than what they use them for. Not to mention, these kids need more practice with these types of technology because texting and Facebooking can only get you so far in life. Showing them the infinite possibilities of what technology can do is where they need the most help.

My intent after this module is to develop my personal philosophy of Instructional Technology that helps to close the gaps between the school's technology and beyond-school technology. I want my students to be prepared for the real world and their future careers by developing meaningful curriculum activities that help them to develop the skills of technology. Using technology linked to my lessons will hopefully allow my students to walk about from the lesson with a more meaningful experience and an appreciation for all the capabilities that technology has to offer.
 * __ Intent//:// __ **