Reflection is more than what I did yesterday...

[Amy Pennock]

I enjoyed this presentation on the importance of reflection as teachers. My initial thoughts were that I want to do what I already do except with more technology. As I went through the presentation, I came to the realization that what I really want is to use technology to enhance my teaching and have a greater impact on active learning in the classroom. So the question for me becomes how do we avoid using new technology with old teaching habits? Maybe if our old teaching habits are effective we don't need to avoid anything. But who's to say what is effective... student performance on state assessments? This is why reflection is so important. Only through reflection will things change for the better. I will try to answer through discussion and reflection two questions. 1) Is my use of technology making a difference? 2) Is the technology in my classroom being guided by curriculum or by my own individual values? I think we all have to be willing to ake a hinest and critical look at what we do not just at what we want to do. The presentation concluded by saying that reflection is not quick. It is a challenge and you need others to accompay you and expand your thinking. I am glad that I am being led by Wendy and Brian through some of this active reflection... i might not have dug this deep on my own.

[Holly]

I think a question we should ponder is, “Am I using technology for the right reasons?” ..I mean is am I using it to: enhance engagement? …deliver instruction in a meaningful way? …to instruct a particular curricular standard? …to support student centered learning …or do I think its it’s more fun to see things blink and move than to stare at an overhead? …or because everybody else is doing it?

I agree we should ask ourselves “Why,” (reflect) as we sit for hours in front of a computer screen in order to develop a SMART lesson etc…

I do think that in the case of the SMART Board craze we need to be careful that students aren’t just sitting in their seats watching me point and click. Even though students get to come up and touch the board it doesn’t mean the lesson turns into an interactive/hands on learning experience. MINDS ON LEARNING is foremost important ...this leads me to sheepishly revisit my plans for the week …am I fostering thinking or regurgitation??????????