21st Century Classroom

            I knew from a very young age I wanted to be a teacher.  My first grade teacher made an impression on me and my life with her enthusiasm for teaching.  She always had a way of making learning fun and enjoyable for all.  When I first began my teaching career, I established the same motive as my first grade teacher.  I was going to make learning fun and interesting for all students.  Fortunately, I have more technology tools to help captivate student’s learning then my teacher did 28 years ago.  I continually strive for a learning environment surrounded with a variety of technology tools because I’ve seen the impact it can have on students and their learning.  Technology helps to reach a variety of learners.  These technology resources allow me to create meaningful lessons that build on and support students self directed learning (Cennamo, Ertmer, and Ross, pg 109).
            In my classroom I have a variety of technology resources to promote this type of learning.  My Smartboard and document camera are a few tools I use on a daily basis to create meaningful lessons.  The student IPads and four classroom computers are used to support students in their learning.  They utilize these tools during reading and math stations.  This gives students opportunities of self directed learning through exploration.  My teacher IPad is most often times used as a way to track student progress through video and apps.  My goal is to use the student IPads and classroom computers in a way to encourage students working in groups to accomplish a task.  I’ve often times thought about using the computers to pre teach a skill with the help of an instructional video from Khan Academy.  This would totally change my current role as a teacher, taking the initial instruction and putting it in the hands of technology.  I am willing to make any changes as long as they result in elevated student thinking and learning.  I am not fearful of change.  As a matter of fact, I welcome it because I too get bored with doing things in the classroom the same day after day.  A quote from the Introduction video helped to clarify my purpose in the classroom.  John Dewey said, “If we teach today’s students like we did yesterday, then we rob them of tomorrow.”  If my goal is to create a fun and exciting learning environment, then I will need to continue to discover new technology tools and learn how to effectively use it to advance my student’s thinking.
            My three top elements of a 21^st century classroom would be creativity and innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking and problem solving.  These elements fit with my purpose and what I am striving for in my classroom.  I can influence my students by using appropriate technology that will motivate, increase positive attitudes, and get students working together to create profound thinking.