Class Reflection

Before I started this course, I was familiar with differentiated instruction and using verbs as objectives, but I never thought about combining these concepts with technology. One of the things that stuck out the most to me was Ken Robinson'video "Changing Educational Paradigms." I agree that our society's educational system needs reform, and that as an industrialized nation, we are entirely too weighted down by bipartisan issues; as a result of a cracked political system, our educational system is suffering, and we are only hurting ourselves by hurting the children. Instead of adapting, America clings desperately to tradition. A traditional educational system though, will not prepare students for the real world or allow them to fulfill their potential. As a secondary education teacher, it is crucial creativity and imagination be fostered, as we tend to lose those capacities as we age. Because why, though? Because we are taught to conform. Be professional. Be correct. I've always wanted to have an engaging, creative classroom, but until Marc Presnky's Teaching Digital Natives, I wasn't sure exactly how that would work. I thought of fishbowls, literature circles, options appealing to different types of learners, novels differentiated on reading level and interest... but I had never heard of partnering or thought of using technology and web tools. I think this comes from my experience as a student, and being limited to power points and video presentations. I guess thats how this cycle of tradition continues; unless we are exposed to new ideas and willing to accept them, we will teach how we were taught. To make sure I can incorporate ideas from the book, I'll have to use 21st Century Leaning standards as well as the state standards to guide my lessons.
I think I have an advantage to achieving a partnering classroom as an English teacher because the class generally moves towards discussion, questioning, and debate. In my observations though, I have seen multiple instances of the teacher sitting in the front of the room just reading the book to the kids because "they won't do it at home." I can't help but thing, this is your lesson? This is how you encourage your students to think? No, this is how you keep kids quiet and in their seat.. Which brings me back to the Ken Robinson video, and the "epidemic of ADHD." Why do we want our students sitting in class with no energy, deprived of technology that interests them, and forcing them to keep their comments to themselves?

Instead, I want students to be a partner in the class, adding and guiding the lessons. I want to do this through the idea of theflipped classroom, although I know it will take a lot of effort, trial and error, and determination. I also want my students to be able to read literature that appeals to them and instill a love for reading in them. I know I will be met with hesitation because there is a stigma with reading among high school students, but I want to design units that allow for a variety of selections. I think once their interests are addressed, they will want to do the research outside of class and find creative ways to express themselves inside and outside of the classroom. I also want my students to take lessons from literature to apply to the real world through Service Learning projects at the end of every unit. I know this will take some work because Service Learning projects at some schools aren't done even once a year, but even if they are small, I think they will be beneficial and provide an impact.
I am excited about implementing technology in my class, and now know I need to take the initiative to find these web tools for myself and my students. I also have to give up the idea of complete control. Its okay if I do not know everything, although I want to. Its okay if something doesn't work the first time, one mistake doesn't end the world. And its okay if partnering and the flipped classroom has some set backs, there are alternatives and I will find them.


I made this wordle to sum up key points I will remember from the semester