Reflective Blog #2

Educational Technology is a field that, simply put, seeks to educate all learners on how to utilize technology for the purposes of teaching and learning thus preparing them for the digital age where they can apply these skills in their everyday life. I believe that the word "students" includes every type of learner no matter what age, ethnicity, or background. All learners, means K-100. In order to do this we must recognize the different types of learners there are: those that are born with cell phones in their hand and those who have had to adapt to this rapid changing society. We must change the way we are delivering instruction in order to meet the needs of these learners.

Both videos that were posted are distinct reminders of how behind we are in every way in the areas of educational technology. Some districts more than others are on the cutting edge the "cusp" if you will. However we are so behind it's pathetic. Case and point, only three years ago I worked in Fort Worth ISD, we were still turning our grades in on floppy disks! Yes I said it! Floppy disks! And how long have flash drives been available in the stores for less than ten dollars? I believe that this is why more and more charter schools are popping up with online centers for high school students to complete their diplomas...their bored out of their minds! They have been exposed to so much external stimuli that high school to many of them is a waste of time, they would rather get it over with! How do we address this issue! We cannot continue to ignore what our students are saying about us. Until this issue becomes the driver for decisions of instruction we will never catch up to this ever changing generation.

Reflective Blog #1

I see education as a place where people of any background, gender and ethnicity become unified. The desire for one to learn is an innate element of human nature. Since the beginning of time there has been in some form or fashion a way to share information for the common purpose of expanding one’s outlook and view of the world around them. Education serves its purpose by providing limitless opportunities if one has the desire to learn.

Learners should be viewed as individuals instead of groups or subgroups. Students should have opportunities to discover who they are and who they want to be. The role of the teacher is to cultivate this curiosity so that students continue to ask these questions for the rest of their lives.

As an educator it is my obligation to develop a student to be a lifelong learner, by creating a classroom environment that is student centered and collaborative to provoke thought and curiosity. This environment will allow students cultivate their learning and extend their knowledge in a meaningful way.

Articulating this philosphy really helps me to get in tune with my fundamental beliefs. The stuff that drives you at the core of your being what I like to call your "shundi". Your "shundi" is that stuff that drives you to do what you do and to make the decisions you make. When you have done something that goes against your "shundi" you get a strange feeling, something that doesn't sit right. This was a great reminder of the stuff that I'm made of and the reason why I am an educator. This is how I feel when I pass out a worksheet or abandon my beliefs even for one class period.

Stephen Downes' article of Educational Blogging is still very real and current today. I don't believe that we have utilized the full potential that blogging has to offer, I think we are getting very close with many bloggers who are committed to this field.

The sixth area in Creating a Culture for Teaching an Learning stood out the most to me. Collegiality is what is needed in order to move education to the next level. Teachers need forums and opportunities to share their knowledge and experiences. We must recognize teachers for the professionals that they are and provide them with more engaging ways to develop their craft.