Reflective 1.2

I think I have addressed my values and beliefs briefly in my previous post... BUT.. to go into further detail.. I truly believe ICT's in the classroom, is the key to engagement..!

Eli...my beautiful little boy... is a prime example of just how drawn to technology children are.. from the ripe old age of 13 months he could say iPad and navigate his way around to find different games which captivated him.... such a digital native!!!... and I love it..

And... drawing on myself as an example... I look at the time and effort I have put into the ICT subject I am studying in comparison to other subjects... ICT wins hands down, why? Because in the ICT subject I am given room to "fluff around"; I am playing to learn.. and because the delivery of content is engaging... I can watch little video clips which trigger thoughts, and am given leeway to be creative.... as opposed to being required to read a few chapters in a text book.....zzzzzzzzzz!

I have found people who aren't drawn to technology tend to be those who aren't willing to play.. and in a way have a fear of the possibilities of what could happen..  how sad that these people will never get to experience what could be!

As a dedicated life long learner and commencing my third degree (GDTL), I feel I have a lot of experience as a learner which has really equipped me for teaching and ICT inclusion.

I am absolutely comfortable with relinquishing some control over who my learners learn from as well what they learn and how they learn it... My beautiful Mumma Bear is an Early Childhood Educator with a very strong belief in child led play based pedagogy... and she has demonstrated to me countless times the benefits of letting your learners find their interests and running with them to engage and take learning to the next level...

As with all my emotions at the beginning of term for all units.. I brief over the course outline and surmise.. everything seems doable...  End of week two I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed as the unit starts to unravel and I'm still at week one.... eeks.. Aside from the usual feelings of overwhelm, this unit really hasn't challenged any of my beliefs... I feel my beliefs are aligned... My ICT capabilities are however VERY challenged...   I don't think I know much about technology at all... little own any experience with ICT in a classroom... and that is daunting.

I Just remind myself the goals I've set for myself, why I am doing this and just remind myself of all the things I have achieved and how I feel when can tick another subject off... I am a daydream and I get bored easily so the challenge is welcomed.. the prospect of growth for me is exciting. Constantly gravitating towards the learning zone, enriching my points of view - take me to the magic zone where big challenges happen.. I want to broaden my comfort zone over and over.

Upon one of numerous google searches I came across this meme ↡ and I think its quite fitting for this particular post... in the end even if as an individual teacher you're not that keen on ICTs in the classroom... Ya probs should look into it...

For an interesting paper on the beliefs behind the teacher that influences their ICT practices click here. 

bloggets