Week 8 Reflection - EDUC-6712I-3 Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom

Reflection

Describe the most striking revelation you had about the teaching of new literacy skills to your students as a result of this course.
I think what has struck me most profoundly is that my students don't necessarily know more than I do as far as technology is concerned. Yes, they may be able to set up my new cell phone and they can navigate around Face Book, but when it comes to using technology in certain settings, there is still a lot I can teach them. To begin preparing them for the inquiry project I have started blogging with them, incorporating some of the thinking they'll have to do later on. I was very surprised at the number of students who had no idea how to use the school portal and who had no idea about how to blog. Another thing that has struck me is that my students and I have bonded in a new way that adds to the good rapport we already had.

Describe how the knowledge and experience gained in this course will influence your teaching practices going forward.
This has probably been my favorite course to date because I have come a long way in my experience and confidence. As a veteran teacher, I am sometimes intimidated by the technology that the students and younger teachers use. I now know I can go forward using technology in an effective manner. The blogging will continue, I have plans to start having students turn in work electronically, and the inquiry project starts the week after next. I am very excited knowing that I can help my students become self-directed 21st century learners.

Identify at least one professional development goal you would like to pursue that builds upon your learning in this course and develops your own information literacy or technology skills. Describe the steps you will take to accomplish this goal.
One professional developmental goal I would like to pursue is setting up a partnership with another classroom in another part of the (Spanish-speaking) world. How wonderful to be able to bring truly authentic learning experiences into our classroom and "travel" the world without ever leaving our school!

Thanks for a truly inspiring experience. :-)