Being an educator, I continually think about teaching and instruction, whether it be how to design a more effective learning experience, how to assess a particular skill, or how to better engage my students. However, taking CEP 810 reacquainted me with the nature of a learner. Being put in the position of a learner, I found myself more closely identifying with my students, and seeing my role as an educator with new eyes.
cc licensed (CC0) pixabay photo by jeshoots
http://pixabay.com/en/airplane-plane-wing-flight-flying-410299/
Just as passengers in an airplane have an aerial view of the landscape, so I felt that CEP 810 gave me an overview of the intersection of teaching, learning, content and technology. Beginning with the opening readings on the nature of and research on learning, to my explorations of TPACK, encounters with social media and workflow assistance, and completion of a networked learning project, I feel as though I had a birds-eye view of the concept of teaching for understanding with technology. I was introduced to authorities and experts in the field of education and technology, and exposed to many different ideas and programs.
Like that passenger looking out of her window from 35K, I saw landmarks flash below. James Gee and Will Richardson encouraged me to think differently about the goals of education. Participating in networked learning allowed me to experience the freedom and frustration of learning outside of a classroom. Blogging weekly and participating in twitter reminded me of the importance of sharing my voice and communicating with those within and outside of my field. Exploring workflow tools reminded me to care for myself as an educator, and revealed the amazingness of Evernote.
cc licensed ( CC0 ) pixabay photo by cocoparisienne
http://pixabay.com/en/folding-map-road-map-travel-route-360382/
After having viewed these concepts from above, and at a fast pace, I look forward to getting out my map and exploring the landmarks and paths that I saw. I kept track of books, articles, experts and blogs (thank you Evernote), and want to more deeply explore the ideas that were introduced in this course. I want to continue to examine the changing nature of educational environments. What does this mean for me, a school librarian? Beyond changing the physical layout of the learning center, are there methods and practices I can adopt to better meet the needs of my school? Additionally, I want to explore further what it means to learn, and how to better help today’s students understand my content of transliteracy using technology as a tool. How can I better foster student literacy in a variety of media, using technology as a tool and not an outcome?
As the plane and map image connote, learning (and teaching) is a journey. I’m so thrilled to be on this adventure, and grateful for the questions and answers that CEP 810 has provided.
