Reflections on coursework

Before taking the course “Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society” I had no ideas what blogs, wikis and podcasts were and how these tools were embedded in the Web 2.0 information and communications technology interface. Now, having been forced to experience each of these tools (not without some trepidation) I can see how each can be integrated into the classroom.

From my perspective, I can enhance student learning by increasing their opportunities for creative contribution (in ICT terminology: publishing and collaborating), and I can extend my classroom rather painlessly to after-school hours, when many of my students are already involved in doing Web 2.0 stuff why not in the context of my classroom curriculum. For example, a blog facilitating out-of-class debate on global warming, or a wiki facilitating group development of projects on alternative energy sources shifts learning from my teacher-directed classroom to student-directed home time. From the students’ perspectives, collaboration and experience in the Web 2.0 medium will help prepare them for their future occupations.

Two long-term goals I have in mind for transforming my classroom environment are to advocate for the district removal of internet blocks on the socializing sites that are currently off limits to my students from within the building, and to advocate for more classroom computers, and general access to computers and the internet during school hours. Becoming a vocal advocate for these two goals may (unfortunately) be required of me.