Final post ED 619

• • The main takeaway from the 21st Century Skills article is that teachers need to get students the necessary skills of critical thinking, innovation and creativity through the use of technology.  While the ideas are sound in theory, they are difficult to incorporate into the classroom.  The state of Michigan gives us the benchmarks and tests us on material that is more memorization and regurgitation of facts than using critical thinking skills as well as higher-level thinking skills.
  • The project has been helpful because it makes me realize how much technology I already incorporate into the classroom.  Much of the technology includes PowerPoint, ActiveInspire materials (like SmartBoard), Jeopardy games, Flyswatter and guided notes.  I found that I need to get more material that helps the kids use technology for higher-level thinking skills.  I find that will be challenging because I teach Spanish at the high school level.  That is similar to teaching elementary school unless I choose to have a cultural assignment in English.  
  • I will continue to use technology in a similar manner.  Most of my kids say that my style of teaching works well for them.  I am certainly not 100% content in what I do and always want to grow.  I will continue to looks for new ways to incorporate technology.  I understand it is not just the wave of the future, but the wave of now.  Kids are exposed to technology and using it hourly so I need to capitalize using it.
  • For now my plan is to continue talking with colleagues within my school building and district to figure out how they are using technology in their classrooms.  I am hesitant to get on too many blogs and message boards because I feel that people want to talk about the latest fad that will fade away in six months.  If I am going to use something, I want to make sure it will be around, and will be supported, for a few years in the future.
  • The main question I always have as a Spanish teacher is, “How can I maximize (insert innovative idea here) in my classroom when it is like teaching elementary school as opposed to high school?”  The one-size fits all approach that we get with a lot of trainings and teachings doesn’t work for world language classes.  I feel that I need to talk to other language teachers in order to find out what is working best in their classrooms.