Reflective Paper #1

Reflection Paper #1

As a resource teacher for students in Kindergarten through third grade, I have the wonderful opportunity to work with a wide variety of age groups. Additionally, I work with students with a wide variety of needs. Not only do I have the opportunity to work with students who have been identified eligible for special education services, but I also work with general education population as well. Our special education services are provided in an inclusion setting which means that my time is spent co-teaching with other teachers typically in their classrooms. This is truly a very rewarding experience not only for me, but for the students as well.



Regardless of the age or need of the student, one component that remains constant for all students to be successful is that of literacy. To me, literacy is the ability to read and write. These two skills are essential for all people regardless of age, gender, grade, nationality, etc. Literacy involves the ability to communicate through these skills. Therefore, it is critical for all students to begin building a solid foundation in the area of literacy as they begin their educational journey that will eventually extend into adulthood and independence. Developing literacy at an early age is crucial in helping students become life-long learners. Literacy, to me, is the core component of providing a sound education for the students of today as well as tomorrow.



As I mentioned previously, I provide special education services in an inclusion setting which does not lend itself to utilizing technology on a daily basis. I do have the opportunity to co-teach with general education teachers, but typically I am there to provide additional support when needed and not necessarily to develop lesson plans. I certainly believe that technology is very important in assisting the students in their learning. However, I have not really considered the impact that technology potentially could have on literacy. Up until beginning work in the Curriculum and Instruction master’s program, I viewed literacy and technology as two separate entities. That is not to say that I have not utilized technology to enhance literacy, I just have not considered the true power of combining these two elements to help students reach their full potential. Over the course of my journey through this program, I have learned about numerous ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. I have been inspired to take a step into the 21st Century Skills classroom to help my students become learners that are intrinsically motivated to want to learn more. I want my students to become seekers of knowledge! Technology can open the world to the students to ensure that this will actually happen.



Although I do try to utilize some technology in the classroom, overall my knowledge of technology is somewhat limited. I am eager to learn more about utilizing technology in the classroom, but I find that I am a digital immigrant. I did not “grow up” with technology. Nevertheless, times have changed dramatically and in order to help my students reach their full potential, I must take that step into the great unknown and explore all of the wonderful opportunities that await all of us. I am familiar with technology in regards to devices my students have utilized in the classroom such as the Alpha Smart and programs that can be utilized to help students such as software to enlarge print, text to read, large keyboards, etc. Each of these tools have been such an integral part of many students’ education. Utilizing these types of devices make communication more accessible for students. These tools have had such a profound impact for students. I have witnessed first hand the improvement of literacy, the ability to read and write, for several students. What a fantastic experience to see a child begin to excel in an area that was such a struggle previously by introducing this piece of technology. Students, in general, are excited when technology is utilized in the classroom. I believe that the students feel empowered as they set out on a quest for knowledge. Certainly, there needs to be much support and guidance from the start, but if we provide that support and guidance, we have the awesome power to help students begin to take forward steps on their own. Karchmer (2001, p. 448) notes that, “As the Internet becomes an important part of education, and as literacy is redefined by this new technology, it will be mandatory that teachers integrate this new resource with daily instruction so student can learn how to develop the new literacies this technology permits.” This is such a profound statement that we, as educators, need to take to heart.



Literacy and technology are two components that have the capability to provide the ultimate learning environment for students if utilized effectively and appropriately. Unfortunately, although I see the benefits of utilizing technology, I often find myself frustrated by the overwhelming “waves” of information. Information, that if taught and practiced, could benefit students. However, I find that too often the information is just presented then left. Just as Karchmer (2001, p. 449) indicates, “Possibly the most pressing reason teachers do not use technology in their classrooms may be the lack of substantial training provided by the teacher education and staff development programs.” I can completely relate to this. I have had some great introductions to technology, but that is as far as it goes. Unless there are expert teachers in the building, it is difficult to implement technology without proper training. Additionally, another area that I struggle with is utilizing web learning links. Many teachers have created wonderful web pages for their students and their parents. However, many times these web sites cannot be accessed at school because they have been blocked for one reason or another. Frustration really sets in when so much time is spent developing these pages only to find that students are not able to access them. I realize that this may seem like a small dilemma, but is still presents a level of frustration none the less.



Overall, I firmly believe that technology can positively impact literacy when provided with the proper training needed to implement that technology. Generally speaking, many of the students we work with today have grown up in a world full of technology. Their world consists of multiple technology devices. Along with the devices, these students bring with them the knowledge and understanding of how these items work. Students are beyond the days of seat work when worksheets were endless and the “spoon-fed” knowledge was delivered. Today, we live in a world when knowledge is abundant and waiting to be accessed by anyone and everyone. Gone are the days of lecture. Now, students have the ability to interact with others from all around the world. It is only a fingertip away and it is my belief that it is my responsibility to provide my students with the knowledge necessary to be successful in today’s society.
 
 
 
References:
Karchmer, R. (2001). The journey ahead: thirteen teachers report how the internet influences literacy and literacy instruction in their K-12 classrooms. Reading Research Quarterly, 36(4), 442-466.