My Epiphany In The Classroom

Have you ever had an epiphany? You know, the moment when something becomes crystal clear. Well, I have. It came after 11 years of teaching and making the rather large leap from first to fourth grade. You see, I had always prided myself on the fact that I incorporated technology into my lessons. I used the document camera. I used the interactive whiteboard. I used the iPad. I used the… Do you see a pattern here? However, when I made the move to fourth grade and watched my students actually use the technology, it happened. I had my epiphany! It became crystal clear that incorporating technology into the lesson isn’t about me, and how I use technology, but it’s about the students, and how they use technology. My students and their …show more content…
With every student having access to a computer, I have been able to change the way information is presented to my students, as well as the way they demonstrate their understanding. Thanks to Google Classroom, my students have taken a more active role in learning while I have taken a more active role as the facilitator. I love communicating with my students in the Classroom. I can record and post a lesson, add visuals, and create an assignment for my students to complete, freeing myself up to provide one-on-one or small group support.

Differentiation is one of the more challenging aspects of teaching. Google’s Chrome Web Store offers a large variety of extensions that can help students with specific learning needs. Currently, I have used extensions such as Announcify, Speak It, Beeline Reader, Read and Write, and Fluency Tutor. These extensions provide support in the area of reading and writing to the ESOL, Special Ed, and students with Attention Deficit Disorder. They have given my students with specific learning needs more confidence and improved their academic …show more content…
I have also had numerous opportunities to share my love and knowledge of technology with the staff at the school where I work. I feel that all of this, coupled with my experience in the classroom, will benefit the program, peers, and professors at Valdosta State University. As I look ahead at my career, I see myself as a Teacher Leader or Instructional Coach. Earning a Specialist Degree in this area will help further my career and provide me the opportunity to share my passion. Not only will I become more knowledgable in implementing technology in the classroom, I will also become better prepared to share my knowledge with other