Reflecting on My Technology Usage in the Classroom

1. Where would you rate yourself in each area?

As a teacher, I do a sufficient job in the entry, active,  and adoption stages on the matrix.  I am slowly beginning to use the adaptation stage by having students research a topic of their choice. Students are actively engaged by reading stories, working with vocabulary and spelling words, and playing math games on the individual computers.  Students are actively collaborative when they are utilizing the Smartboard games in both reading and math.  Additionally,  the students are collaborative when they play Quizlet on the computer using vocabulary words.

At this time, I do not do a sufficient job on the infusion, transformation, authentic, and goal directed stages. In second grade, it is difficult to let go of the facilitator's role and let the kids lead.  These are areas of growth for me.

2. Where do you think you could reasonably be at the end of the next grading period?
I can reasonably have mastered the adaptation stage by the end of the next grading period.  I will also have a start on the authentic and transformation stages.  The students will be researching a topic of their choice and making a Prezi video to demonstrate the knowledge gained.  This video will be shared with the other students in the class and will also be shared in the school Media Fair.  The learning will be facilitated by the teacher and students. Each student will be responsible to design and write their own Prezi video.

3. What steps will you need to take in order to make the growth happen?
One step I need to take to ensure growth is to include infusion and transformation in my teaching.  To achieve this I will need to study more on the different stages and try different methods to make this work in my second grade classroom.  The next step will be to ask my colleagues for ideas.  Collaboration is helpful because many times I am not only given a site that is helpful but I am shown how to utilize the site.  Finally, I will begin to slowly implement the different ideas at a rate that I am comfortable with.

Changing policy in classroom to reflect a moving mindset

    I am willing to change a current course to reflect a moving mindset.  The primary reason for this is because the meaning of an education has changed over the years since I first became a teacher.  I can no longer teach the way I always have and be highly effective.  It is obvious kids learn differently today and at a much faster pace. By moving my own mindset, I will better be able to meet all the needs of my students in my classroom. 
   My mindset will be centered around the notation of moving from "testing skills" to "life skills".  I chose to change this after reading the papers and watching the videos associated with a changing mindset in our module two lessons.  Moving to "life skills" will be a powerful benefit for the students I teach.  
   This mindset will enable me to teach my students to explore, question, and implement learning into their own life. With this mentality, I will be able develop seeds that will mature the rest of the students' lives. 
   If students learn to find what he/she is passionate about and what fascinates them as an individual, the students knowledge will be endless. 
    In today's society, information is readily available in a plethora of formats to engage even the most unlikely learners.  Kids are able to be captivated, connected, and self-taught like never before.  I have many reasons to change my mindset.  One of the biggest reasons is because kids are ready for this change.  They are engrossed by the technology and are willing to use it. They are willing and open to learn this new virtual education right beside me.  I would be hindering my students if I did not embrace this new mindset.
    In the past, I am guilty of not using the latest technology due to my inexperience.  I want to change my mindset and let the kids teach me what they are discovering and learning.  I want to place the technology into their hands and pave the path together.  This is when true learning will transpire for both of us. 
   Finally, changing my mindset would ensure, I am providing the learners with essential tools to become the learners they will need to be to be successful or want to become.