Final Reflection

Final Reflection Technology Integration and Classroom Management

Technology Integration For me it’s been about…. • Taking risks • Accepting change • Appreciating innovation

When I started this class I was… Now I feel like I’m… • Skeptical • Self-reliant • Old-fashioned • Content • Open-minded • Modern (okay, still pretty old-fashioned)

Baby steps… • Technology is scary for me, guys. • This class has helped me take risks and risk failure, and that means a lot to me. I’m a lot more confident in my own capabilities now and I’m much more open to trying new things. No, really though.

It’s a Win-Win for Everyone • Not being accepting of new technology is doing a disservice to my students, because they deserve the best of everything I can give them, even if it means going out of my comfort zone. • It’s also a disservice to myself, because being closed off to new things doesn’t help me grow as a person, and as a life-long learner I always need to be open to self improvement.

Teaching for a New Generation • It’s a great time to be a teacher. People are finally starting to really care about education, people are making change, we’re getting things done and helping kids. • Individual identity, acceptance, equality, innovation.

I’m the epitome of a Clipboard. • Classroom management = relentless planning? • Stuck in the world of sheltered schools. • I needed to learn how to be authoritative and prepared without being inflexible.

I learned how to add some beach ball… …and some microscope. • You can’t plan for everything. • In fact, you have to plan for things not to go according to plan. Classroom management inception… • But that’s part of the fun! • There is always room for creativity and independence. • The list of ways to do something is endless.

Gimme Shelter • The world is not how I’ve seen it. • The only way to make a difference is to accept the bad things and keep trying regardless. • There’s no one right way to handle anything. • To me, classroom management means being prepared and proactive.

…and I owe it all to you. • It’s as much about the people as it is about the work. • Thanks for teaching me that teaching isn’t a one-man show. • We’ve been faced with a lot lately, and I know we’ll get through it together. • Unfortunately it’s part of the job, but I feel so much more prepared now.

Building a real learning community.

Credits • Slide 4 image – Microsoft Clip Art • Class picture – Photo credit to Dr. Grace Ward, goat photoshop courtesy of Jon

Final Reflection