RefleXion

In all honestly, taking this class during my first semester of full time teaching was incredibly stressful. I found all of the pieces of technology that we learned about so interesting and useful, and I wanted to really think about how to implement them in my classroom. However, I spent so much time this semester just trying to keep my head above the water as a first year teacher that the amount of reflection, planning, implementation and re-reflection that I wanted to happen just couldn't. And then I felt guilty.

But this has been one of the most enjoyable classes so far. The best classes, in my opinion, are those in which we learn the theory and immediately practice the implementation of the theory. While the small assignments and many many projects were stressful as we had so many other demands placed on us, they also were inspiring and eye-opening.

I believe I had a breakthrough during the Educational Challenge assignment. I took the plunge and chose to make the Prezi presentation for our group--having forgotten that upon first look I HATED Prezi. When I got to it, after already volunteering to do it, I had an "Oh, crap" moment. And then I felt the stress. But then I played around with it. And I got all of my information in order. And I decided which paths I wanted it to follow based on who our students were. It was amazing to press Play and watch it all go. It made perfect sense, and it highlighted everything I wanted it to highlight. I could TOTALLY make something like this for my students, and even assign a project using Prezi TO one of my really technological students. I love when "Oh, crap" moments turn into "A-ha" moments when you are looking back at your experiences.

Like I've said before, being a first year teacher has taken up a lot of my brain space this semester. But using technology in the classroom is something that is so important for this generation. And it's something that teachers really need to get on board with. But so many of us are scared to try and that is where the problem lies. Technology is what's happening NOW, and if we fall behind, we can lose the chance to really connect with our students in a way that can only be possible because of the technological advances we have made. How amazing is it that so many people are walking around with iPads because they think they're cool, but my student is walking around with an iPad because it's his VOICE? What if he was stuck with just picture symbols? His head would explode because he has SO MUCH MORE in there and he just needs to be able to express it.

I think being a special education teacher in a severe setting has truly shaped my perceptions of everything around me. I try more and more each day to see the world as my students see it. For this reason, this class is so important, because it really has shown ways to access information as teachers, but also to transmit information that is more accessible to our learners. And THAT is why we are here, isn't it?