Instructions
Review the ISTE/NETS for Teachers and the ALA/AASL: Standards for the 21st-Century Learner websites. Using the information gained from these resources, write a self-reflection (500 words) ) on your current technology abilities and your ability to prepare 21st-century learners.
1) What are your strengths?
2) What are your opportunities for improvement?
3) What do you still need to learn in order to fully integrate these standards into your classroom?
4) What surprised you as you read these standards?
APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.
Solution
Self-reflection of Current Technology Abilities as a Teacher
Teachers have the great responsibility of instilling knowledge in their students, and they play a big role in their success. In this digital age where there are new technological advancements always coming up, teachers are encouraged to have the necessary skills to teach and work. Technology has made work easier and faster for both the students and their teachers.
As a teacher in the digital era, one of the greatest strengths I have is being good at using computers. I gained a lot of experience with technology when I worked at Intel from 1995-2009. This experience has given me an advantage over fellow teachers because it has made me an asset in the institution where I work. The students rely heavily on the internet, and it has been very easy for me to work with them, as I understand how the technology works (“Standards for Teachers”, 2016).
I am very resilient and adaptable to change because I can quickly learn any new technology. I am initiative, and I always strive to be up to date with all technological advancements. I am resilient and persistent in my research despite the various challenges I face when looking for information.
Another strength I have is being able to use my knowledge to develop and design learning assessments for the students. I have come up with unique and personalized tools to maximize the content learning of the students and increase their skills and knowledge. Teachers in other institutions are using some of my models because they have been highly effective in helping students learn. These models and assessments address the diverse learning techniques by helping the learners understand the content and develop their creativity. They also assist them to work independently and set their academic goals while monitoring their progress.
Technology is dynamic, and numerous advancements come up every day. As a teacher, one should be vigilant in keeping up with these advancements to make the learning experience enjoyable and productive. Teachers should be able to use the various digital resources and tools to help the learners understand the content. As a teacher, I plan to attend local and international learning seminars and communities to exchange knowledge with various professionals. I also intend on regularly doing in-depth professional research and practice to perfect the use of digital tools for active student learning (“Standards for the 21st-Century Learner | American Association of School Librarians (AASL)”, 2016).
As a teacher, I still need to learn many things to make the student’s learning experience worthwhile. For instance, I should learn each student’s individual strengths and weaknesses and use this information to formulate effective methods for teaching them. I should also help them work with other students to deepen and broaden their knowledge. Group work helps in the exchange of information. Therefore, teachers should learn how to pair up students based on their abilities. I will also need to get to use feedback and positive criticism from fellow teachers, parents, and the community to improve my learning models and assessments.
I was surprised to know that most people are ignorant when it comes to the ethical issues concerning teaching. Some teachers do not respect the intellectual freedom of their students or teach them to practice ethical and safe behaviors when using technology. It is illegal for teachers to use unethical means when gathering information.
References
Standards for Teachers. (2016). Iste.org. Retrieved 28 March 2016, from https://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for-teachers
Standards for the 21st-Century Learner | American Association of School Librarians (AASL). (2016). Ala.org. Retrieved 28 March 2016, from http://www.ala.org/aasl/standards/learning