Walden University – Course 6710: Week 8 Application

The Walden University course, “Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society,” has helped me to expand my knowledge of Web 2.0 applications. I have used many Web 2.0 tools, like Moodle, Skype, Twitter, Yahoo Mail, Wikispaces, Weebly, Bibme, RealWorld Icon Maker, YouTube, TeacherTube, etc. Although I have had the desire, I have never found the time to create a podcast and RSS feed, or set up my own WordPress wiki. My school has adopted WordPress this year, and I had not had a chance to explore its features. In addition, I am setting up a broadcast media class with the intention of having students create podcasts, yet I had not found the opportunity to sit down to put a podcast together and set it up for an RSS feed. Now that I have experienced editing audio in audacity, setting up a “channel” for my RSS feed, and placing an audio/video player in a wiki or website, I feel confident in creating unique lessons that will engage students and promote learning.

One of the assignments in this course was to look up other blog sites related to technology education. With these resources and connections, I am able to communicate and collaborate with other professionals to learn new and up-coming technology trends to try out with my teachers and students. In addition, I have become a member of ISTE and TCEA, and am planning to volunteer for committees and submit presentation requests regarding engaging 21st century students. By getting involved with these organizations, and possibly others, I can stay on top of future technology in order to bring new ideas to my district.

A long-term goal of mine is to find a secure online file storage tool that students can use to upload their assignments to whether they are at school or at home. I want students to experience data transfer, network accessibility, file storage and organization using the Internet. Another goal is to make my middle school teachers aware of, and train them on, Adobe Acrobat Pro so that they can implement it in their classes. This program allows students to easily create interactive portfolios of their work that can be posted online. Currently, many companies in the industry are looking up potential employees’ digital DNA online, and/or are requiring electronic portfolios be submitted for job consideration. Teaching students now about this technology will give them a jump start in mastering these skills, and may also help them understand the impact digital DNA, as well as, the importance of being good online citizens has on their lives.