Module+4+Reflection


 * Reflection Prompt 1: //Reflect on your thinking surrounding your developing a philosophy of Instructional Technology use for learning and your understanding of 21st Century Teaching and Learning.//**

21st Century skills are pertinent to develop in our students to better prepare them for the technology savvy real world and work place environments. After reading over articles and watching videos there are many organizations that support the development and integration on 21st century skills in grades K-12. Incorporating technology that prepares our students for the real world takes initiative of the schools/teachers to develop the skills themselves in order to enhance innovating thinkers. The concept of technology integration sounds much easier to integrate and utilize regularly in the classroom than it actually is. Teachers really need to become proficient in the usage and have support on ideas in which to do so.

After reading more into the development of 21st century skills and how to use in order to best prepare students for the real world I feel a little over whelmed, but ready to take initiative head on and do my part to utilize technology as more than just a basic skill. I agree, that students need to be able to do more than surf the Internet and type on a word processor, but in order for this to happen acknowledgement of the importance of the basics is necessary. Working in a low socioeconomic district there are many challenges to face when pushing for 21st century skill proficiency. Many students do not have basic technology that many of us take for granted at home. This is a challenge for basic skill development. My district is also low on funds, but the middle schools and high school received a technology grant where we were able to purchase many types of technology to integrate within the classrooms. Having access to the technology is great, but after reading further into the skills students need to possess, it is not being used in such a way. I think a big challenge with that is time is not taken to actually teach the teachers how to use and be comfortable with the equipment. If teachers are not comfortable, they will not take the time to use within their lessons to facilitate deeper thinking. As a special education teacher, I focus constantly on basic skills to build a foundation to deeper learning and understanding later on. With this mindset, I feel it is important to take time building basic technology skills, and then build upon as students advance in their usage and ability to take technology to the next level to enhance learning.

With more knowledge in the details and work it is going to take in truly building 21st century skills for the real world I want to further educate myself in the initiatives being taken to do so. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has great resources on their website to educate teachers on ways to facilitate growth in technology skills that also aligns with the Common Core standards. I think it is helpful that they not only stated that technology skills can be incorporated across the curriculum, but also gave specific ways in each subject. This is crucial to help get teachers thinking that it is possible and support it out there. I am going to read in more detail on how Math and technology can be infused to build technology as well as critical thinking. Becoming more educated on the topic will allow me to assume a leadership role within my building and help others be open and more comfortable to adding such a critical skill into the school day. I am also going to pass on the information from the 21st Century skills website to our technology director so that she can post for everyone.