21st Century Teaching and Learning

This week I am deliberately thinking in the box of the 21st century.  I am surrounded by blogging, Facebook, Moodle, Google Apps., uploading, downloading, digital everything, You Tube and so much more.  What does this mean to me as a teacher in the 21st Century?  Well, I am responsible for teaching the next generation of children knowing in the back of my mind that the jobs that they may possibly have are so far beyond my imagination it is crazy!  I am confident that the technology that they are taught will be thought of as primitive by the time they reach college. 

I feel that I am ill-equip to handle this responsibility.  I am not a master with all of the tech tools available so how can I instruct these children to be 21st century explorers?  Well, I don't have as much knowledge of the workings of these tools, but I possess the basic skills and I am learning.  I want to model that no matter what the tool or program, having courage to try to learn the concept and an open mind to being taught is important. 

In my first grade classroom the children are learning to use the laptops for educational purposes.  They are exposed to the tablet and the responders for lessons.   Nearly all of the children play some kind of video gaming system in their house, which is helpful because they "catch on" quickly.  Most importantly I am teaching the behaviors that are essential for the 21st century learner.  Skills such as problem solving, innovation, curiosity, leadership, collaboration, and flexibility are included in this list. 

I feel that my strengths are founded on my positive attitude and willingness to try new ways of incorporating technology into my classroom.  I understand the necessity for learning, developing, and practicing skills that will help my learners succeed in the 21st century.  I believe that my weaknesses rest in the lack of desire or patience to instruct my class of 6 year olds on the media available.  It is a very tedious job and takes time to instruct 26 first graders how to log-on and open programs.  Because it takes away from classroom instruction, I tend to be hesitant.  I know that if I don't teach it, they won't become efficient with the technology, so I guess I just need to "bite the bullet" and follow through in doing what's best for kids.  Learning the technology and having practice daily will only enhance their learning experience and better equip them for life.

Technology and the Teacher

I am intrigued by all of the teacher blogs out there and have become followers of several...I suppose I should say, learning to become a follower.  I feel like I was a little left out of the whole technology boom because I was working in the hospitals and starting a family as all of this technology began to break loose.  As I changed professions, I was exposed to a whole new world of resources and programs-exciting and daunting at the same time.

In my first grade classroom, I feel like I fail daily with incorporating technology.  It is very easy to take out my favorite smelly markers and writing on my big chart paper.  It is so fun-yes, I'm a nerd.  So the question is, how will I transition from teacher nerd to teacher geek?  (Geek meaning technology savy for those who may be unclear.)

This is my first year teaching first grade, so I am eager to see how I will be able to meet the NETS standards for teachers.  As a second grade teacher, it seemed easier because my students entered my room as readers.  They were able to create their own Power Point presentations that they presented to their peers.  We did centers activities on the laptops daily, and I was using my notepad daily with the projector to teach my lessons. 

I suppose I am choosing to believe that I am limited because I don't have a Smart Board or the Elmo, but really I am putting limitations on my thinking because it is easier to put the blame on what I don't have versus on myself.  All of us have our own limitations, but I am going make the effort to truly go beyond the expectations and seek new ways to teach the lessons using the technology available.

Being truly reflective, I suppose I can say that my own insecurities are holding me back when it comes to using technology in my classroom.  I am reminded of 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you".  It is OK if I make mistakes, because that is how one learns.  I need to trust God and not be filled with fear or anxiety with new technology.  I will choose to embrace it and do my best to learn the new programs and tools in order to be a more effective teacher and provide more engaging lessons for my students. 

Even though I was not planning on working on my master's degree quite this soon after becoming a teacher, I feel that it is God's timing for my life and I am learning so much more as a result.  I love to learn, thus the title of this blog, and I know that as I trust God to guide my life, I will also trust him to