Reflection

This course has helped me develop confidence in technology skills through readings, viewing and practice. I have been exposed and able to use tools as blogs, wikis and podcasts that I had never used before. They were probably not hard for people that had used them before, but for me a "Digital immigrant" it was a challenge. I am so excited about what I learned that I am eager to learn more.
I have the assurance that these are positive learning skills that my students may use not only in school, but in their daily lives and future. It is also a great feeling that I know where to look for help and information when needed. Some good resources with examples used in this course were http://www.youtube.com/ and http://www.commoncraft.com/. These helped not only with explanations, but with visuals.
I feel comfortable getting my students started on a lesson and from there watch them learn, create and evolve using their thinking skills and collaboration.
I may continue expanding my knowledge by searching, practicing, working with colleagues, reading, attending professional developments in my district, and continue using the skills that I have learned. This will allow me to pass this information to my students and also allow them to be successful.
Two goals for transforming my classroom environment will be the use of blogs and podcasts. I know these are not yet seen as “students safe” practices, but I am planning on involving parents and students so it will be a learning experience for all.
The teaching career has many challenges and in the best interest of all students my job is to keep my students in a safe and positive learning environment. I will use technology wisely keeping in mind that their success is my success.

Podcasting, what an experience!

I have successfully completed my first Podcast. It was a real challenge for me! After reading, searching, watching videos and downloading an incredible number of information, I believe now I can talk about Podcasting. It is not hard, but I guess I was doing more than I had to. It is not perfect because I still have a lot to learn, but it is a start.
Podcasting should be an interesting tool to use in the classroom as to keep students updated about class and school, but also with pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary (since I teach a foreign language).
I am grateful of learning about technology because I will pass this information to my students, friends and family who have not been exposed to this.
I would like to invite you to listen to my podcast and hear about what and how much technology some young children use these days.

http://pedroza.podomatic.com

Evaluating 21st Century Skills

After reading and looking through the web site the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, it sounds like a great organization dedicated to involve the community and society to have a better vision of the future for all children. By doing this they will create life-long learners and people that is well prepared in the workplace.
I had never heard about it, and was surprised by all the organizations that support it. Again, it sounds like a community working together on a good cause. As a contemporary educator I need to get more informed and use the resources available to help my students develop learning skills and to succeed.

Ideas for using a blog in my classroom

I teach Spanish to high school students, grades 9th-12th. I see a blog as a place for reflection and learning that may be updated every day or when possible. It is also a place where links and other educational sites may be posted.
To begin a blog I would start by posting a welcome, introduction of myself, expectations, classroom rules, tutoring times and other facts related to the curriculum. I would add the schools link, which includes all staff members, school hours, and important things that parents and students should know. Because I teach a foreign language some of the things I would include are; a review of the previous level, an introduction of new concepts, a section on vocabulary, grammar and class assignments.
I consider a blog a good tool to help students learn in a different way. It should be easy for them to find what they need in one page.
I teach a lot of grammar and vocabulary and would like some ideas on how to use a blog in the classroom. I have read that a lot of reading and summaries are done in blogs, but it does not directly apply to what I teach. Please feel free to any suggestions, I will be very grateful.

Welcome / Bienvenidos

Through this blog I would like to share my technology learning experiences. I would also like to invite everyone to post and share activities, opinions or anything that may help me, and others who read this blog.
I am looking foward to a positive learning experience at Walden University and with it's great people. Your opinions will be respected and appreciated.