EPSY 556 – Techsploration

Welcome Back!

Here is a little bio update for you.  This year has been full of changes!  The most exciting news is that  my husband and I are expecting our first child, a little girl, in December!  Merry Christmas to us =)!  In the mean time I have changed schools over the summer to cut down on my commute to work.  So this fall I am teaching at Normal Community West High School in Normal, IL.  I’m teaching U.S. History and Regional World Studies.  I love my new school so far.  It has been a pleasant transition and my department has been very welcoming and supportive.

I’m winding down my CTER program, EPSY 556 is my second to last course.  I plan to graduate in the spring.  I have enjoyed my experiences in the program.  The knowledge I have gained from the program has already begun to pay dividends in my transition to a new school, by easing the process since I am familiar with more software programs and learning tools that were not utilized at my old school.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF LEARNING?

My initial reaction to this question is a one word answer… digital.  I think the way our society is embracing technology and expanding it’s use in the real world and educational settings leads me to that conclusion.  I see Web 2.0 technologies already creeping into the classroom and the need for traditional resources like textbooks slowly being replaced.  Teachers and students need to be flexible and open-minded in order to appreciate the full extent that technology can enhance learning experiences.  Another element of learning that is and will impact learners is globalization.  More emphasis is being given in the classrooms (especially at the secondary & higher education levels) to preparing students for not only local jobs, but to the possiblity of working for and with companies overseas.  In short, the dynamics of the workplace and the classroom are shifting toward a more global perspective and we should be ready to embrace those changes with the help of technology.  “Teachers can bring the world to their students.”

(Yes this is me getting ready to kiss a goat for a school fundraiser!)