The Future of the Classroom

This video showed me what a 7th grade student can accomplish with the computer and Internet technology. This "digital native" not only explores technology, but embraces the opportunities to learn, research, and present information for her science class through "network learning". The student evaluates and synthesizes information and presents it on her website in an original and creative presentation using tools like Glogster. The teacher who created this opportunity is one who I believe is not afraid of student exploration. The science teacher who encouraged this use of technology must be comfortable with technology themselves but also with the unknown. There are some risks to allowing students unlimited access to the Internet, but I believe if this is the outcome, it is well worth it. I do believe that giving middle school students this level of freedom may take some time and training in order for both student and teacher to become familiar and comfortable.

The level of technology implementation is level 6- refinement. I believe this is true because the student has contact with real world experts in the field she is studying. This student is far beyond exploration; she reflects on her learning and then challenges her experience by researching further like she did with the poisonous and venomous animals. The technology is student based as she monitors her own learning every day when she checks the science agenda to see what it is she should complete next. She contacts local scientists to ask their impressions of her research. Her class also uses Skype to exchange information with professionals in the related fields.

This video clip makes me believe that anything is possible. It makes the use of technology in the classroom seem less daunting and most rewarding. I look forward to scheduling more time in the computer lab so students have an opportunity to experiment with some of these programs mentioned in this clip like Glogster and Google docs. I also look forward to assigning more projects using the Internet and guiding students through the use of the many tools that are available using my Smartboard.

It is evident in the video clip that the future of the classroom is changing. As a reflective professional, it is my obligation to ride the wave and continue to grow and learn so I can bring the best to my students.