Personal Learning Goals

     As a educator and as a 21st century citizen, technology has been the focal point of much of my personal, educational, and social life. Growing up as a 90's baby we witnessed some of the biggest technological advancements as they developed and changed the way we communicated, completed school assignments and even the way we spent our free time. We moved on from the word processors and AOL being used by our parents to Web 2.0, Microsoft word and AIM. Cell phones would actually fit in your pocket and over time have morphed into mini computers. Now, technology has made communication and daily task managing quick, easy and commonplace with text messaging, email received directly on your phone,and communicating across devices with programs like iMessage and GroupMe.
     Unfortunately, my experience with technology essentially peaks there. When it comes to technology in the educational field, I feel I am far behind as relates to the SmartBoard, but can handle a laptop or an iPad efficiently. I know that today's educators must establish not only a physical presence, but also a digital presence that sets the precedence for their students, be it on self-created websites, or in their writing on digital presentations. I feel I have the most to learn in the area of technology in the classroom.
     As a future teacher, I am aware that it is my job to inform my students how to appropriately and effectively utilize technology to make their lives easier and more enriched, especially as much of their lives already revolve around technology. I want to ensure that I give my students the tools that they need to thrive in today's technology rich society, as well as in our classroom, which will utilize a wide variety of technology. I am hoping that this course will bring me up to speed on current issues in technology, and will assist me in acquiring the skills that I need in order to become a catalyst in my students learning so that we may have a technological environment that inspires learning, creativity and exploration. For this and many other reasons, I have developed below a list of my personal learning goals.

My personal learning goals:

1. I would like to develop my skills and knowledge of today's technology as it relates to education so that I may present myself digitally as a seasoned professional whom is aware of the ins-and-outs of educating the iGeneration, especially since they are already such advanced users of technology.

2. I wish to familiarize myself with technological pop-culture so that I may utilize it in building motivating and interesting lessons for my students.

3. I would like to develop a reference list of  educational websites that I may refer to at any time for ideas and reinforcing lessons given in the classroom.

4. To utilize technology in order to create engaging, interactive lessons and activities for my students such as WebQuests, PowerPoint's and review games from sites like Kahoot.it.

5. I strive to learn how to properly educate my students on digital citizenship and promote a learning environment that allows participants to feel safe and in control online while not needing to fear bullies or other negative experiences pertaining to social media, blogging or the like.

6.  I would like to establish a digital presence not only in school, but also one that extends to the home through parent communication, a classroom website, digital assignments,  and grade postings.

7.  I wish to become comfortable with technology to the point that I am able to utilize it regularly in my lessons and not just as an occasional addition.

8. I would love to get to know the programs and tools available to educators on the SmartBoard. I know that there is much more to them than simply writing capabilities, and would like to be able to incorporate some of these items into my future classroom. I have seen some educators do this, but have yet to discover how myself.

9. Finally, I would like to learn how to employ technology as a way to differentiate instruction and appeal to diverse learners.