REFLECTION
Reflecting back on all I have learned from this inquiry I feel I have grown as a teacher in many ways. I always knew that technology was moving to the forefront of education and I had a desire to learn more about that process, but taking the time to study my students and reflect upon their experiences has changed me as a teacher. I feel more connected to their experiences and have a drive to find more creative ways to enhance their independence and engagement.
Implementing technology within literacy work stations did enhance engagement and provide for better independence among my students. Finding appropriate applications and websites was the most consuming part, but looking at the literature and research out there right now, I learned that in order to implement it effectively, lesson planning is the key. I cannot just find activities for the kids to "play" with. I must build my lessons around the technology and use it as a tool to enhance student learning.
If I could change one aspect of this inquiry it would be to have more technology available for my students. Seeing their excitement and how engaged they were with just two iPads made me wonder what we could do with five or ten. I have so many creative ideas on how I would like to continue to develop my lessons and I believe the added technology would be an additional benefit. The time period for this inquiry was also somewhat of a challenge for me. Finding the time each day to observe my students within literacy work station was a struggle because I was also meeting with reading groups. I feel I can gain a great deal more from this experience and I plan to continue this inquiry with more students as the year continues. This will provide me with a deeper look at what I can do to better service the individual needs of my students.
I also learned that teacher researchers are hard workers. I spent more time synthesizing data, reading professional journals and organizing my research this semester than I ever have. However, it taught me that I need to be more aware of current research in my profession. There are always new ideas and programs coming out and as a teacher I should be more in tune to those findings. This inquiry also made me more aware of my students as individuals. Each child is unique in his own way and building special relationships with them is the the key to providing them with a positive school experience. I enjoyed the one-on-one attention that I was able to give my two students and I feel encourage by where I will be able to start next year. I plan to implement the technology from the beginning and I look forward to all the wonderful things that lay ahead for my students and cannot wait to see where new technologies in the future take us.
Implementing technology within literacy work stations did enhance engagement and provide for better independence among my students. Finding appropriate applications and websites was the most consuming part, but looking at the literature and research out there right now, I learned that in order to implement it effectively, lesson planning is the key. I cannot just find activities for the kids to "play" with. I must build my lessons around the technology and use it as a tool to enhance student learning.
If I could change one aspect of this inquiry it would be to have more technology available for my students. Seeing their excitement and how engaged they were with just two iPads made me wonder what we could do with five or ten. I have so many creative ideas on how I would like to continue to develop my lessons and I believe the added technology would be an additional benefit. The time period for this inquiry was also somewhat of a challenge for me. Finding the time each day to observe my students within literacy work station was a struggle because I was also meeting with reading groups. I feel I can gain a great deal more from this experience and I plan to continue this inquiry with more students as the year continues. This will provide me with a deeper look at what I can do to better service the individual needs of my students.
I also learned that teacher researchers are hard workers. I spent more time synthesizing data, reading professional journals and organizing my research this semester than I ever have. However, it taught me that I need to be more aware of current research in my profession. There are always new ideas and programs coming out and as a teacher I should be more in tune to those findings. This inquiry also made me more aware of my students as individuals. Each child is unique in his own way and building special relationships with them is the the key to providing them with a positive school experience. I enjoyed the one-on-one attention that I was able to give my two students and I feel encourage by where I will be able to start next year. I plan to implement the technology from the beginning and I look forward to all the wonderful things that lay ahead for my students and cannot wait to see where new technologies in the future take us.