Reflections on Emerging Technologies

After exploring several emerging technologies and their educational applications, I created a learning activity based on a digital game, “Lure of the Labyrinth.” This digital game bridges drill and practice content centered web games and the in-depth, story based games that serve as popular leisure past-times. I realized the potential educational digital games have in engaging students while supporting curriculum (Billings, 2009). The key to integrating any technology is aligning it with the standards and curriculum. Technology should not be a stand-alone activity or resource, instead technology tools should enrich and support the learning experiences. Beyond creating learning activities, I realized the importance of advocating for technology integration, especially when the technology also has applications viewed as fun or social such as digital games or MUVEs. By sharing learning activities and experiences with emerging technologies, colleagues can also become aware of educational benefits of technologies and gain confidence in incorporating them into lessons as well. Although I now know of the many benefits of integrating technology, technology resources are needed to implement learning activities. Knowing how to locate and apply for grant resources can be the difference in bringing emerging technologies to the students.

There are immediate adjustments I will need to make to facilitate technology integration that will benefit my students as well as students in my district. In the past, I viewed my role in my school and district as very insular; I was a teacher of the students in my class. I now recognize the importance of sharing my experiences and knowledge of technology as that can lead to change for both my students, the students in my school, as well as in my district. I realize now that leadership does not rest solely on administrators’ shoulders. (Fullan, 2002). There are important considerations in being an effective leader such as recognizing and understanding the different leadership styles needed to implement the change for bringing emerging technology to the students. Additionally, making decisions about which technologies to adopt does not have to be a guessing game; McLuhan’s Tetrad provides a format to analyze emerging technology and determine where money is best spent (Laureate Education Inc., 2009).

Awareness and knowledge of emerging technology is key in leading the way in technology integration. I will use journals, professional development opportunities in MUVEs such as Second Life and professional learning networks to help me stay abreast of new trends and tools. I am no longer limited in the professional development opportunities and professional learning networks by geographic location and budget as the Internet has taken down those barriers and even offers solutions for organizing information (Warlick, 2009). Taking that a step further, I can guide my students to taking advantage of the resources and opportunities available through MUVEs, digital games, and online learning modules to differentiate learning experiences and provide authentic, collaborative activities right in our classroom. Our 21^st Century learners rely on and expect technology to extend their social lives. They are already comfortable navigating and participating in online communities, gathering information, and collaborating in digital settings (Lemke & Coughlin, 2009). We can tap into this and enrich their learning experiences while demonstrating relevance of technology in all parts of their lives or we can lose out on opportunities to use technology as a bridge between school and the rest of their lives. Experiences such as Global Kids educate students about world-wide topics while involving them in meaningful, authentic activities (Yoder, 2009).

Technology provides the opportunity to expand educational experiences beyond classroom walls. None of the opportunities are possible however, without teachers willing to step into leadership roles and model and advocate for changes that benefit students (Laureate Education Inc., 2009). To be an effective teacher for my 21^st century learners, I need to be forward thinking in terms of technology while promoting integration and resource adoption.

Billings, K. (2009). Lessons from the trenches. School Library Journal, 55(10), 26–27. Retrieved from the Education Research Complete database.

Fullan, M. (2002). The change leader. Educational Leadership, 59(8) ,16–20. Retrieved from the Education Research Complete database.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). New and Emerging Technologies. Baltimore: Moller, G.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). New and Emerging Technologies. Baltimore: Thornburg, D.

Lemke, C., & Coughlin, E. (2009). The change agents. Educational Leadership, 67(1), 54–59. Reproduced with permission of Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development in the format electronic usage via Copyright Clearance Center.

Warlick, D. (2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(6), 12–16. Retrieved from the Education Research Complete database.

Yoder, M. (2009). Walk, fly, or teleport to learning. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(2), 16–20. Retrieved from the Education Research Complete database.