0 Transitioning from Knowledge to Synthesis --Reflection

Transitioning from Knowledge to Synthesis --Reflection

            I have thoroughly enjoyed the class "Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom." Not only have I learned valuable information, but I have also been able to apply the information currently in my classroom. I have gained new revelations and been encouraged to continue research on new 21^st century teaching skills.

            The most striking revelation I had concerning new literacy skills is the vast differences between old literacy and new literacy. Although literacy has always required reading, writing, and analysis, the skills today are much more in depth. Books, Magazines, and Newspapers are edited and fact-checked (Eagleton and Dobler, 2009). Even though they are not always trustworthy, people usually can believe what is written for most sources. It is easier to tell what books are fact or fiction based on its location with the Dewey Decimal system. With the internet, there is not a FCC regulation system that dictates what is written. Therefore, readers are not only decoding and analyzing information online for understanding but also for validity. Knowing that students are doing more critical thinking each time they view content online, makes me feel even more passionate about teaching my students the 21^st century skills.

            This class has greatly influenced my teaching practices. As a technology teacher, I play a large role in students' literacy skills. I have been able to use the resources of this class to begin an inquiry-based project with my students. The handouts provided by Eagleton and Dobler (2007) as well as November's (2008) techniques have been vital to my class project. I feel like I have a great foundation that I can build upon as I lead my students in the 21^st century literacy skills.

            I want to continue to hone my teaching skills of 21^st century learning. I mainly want to focus on global collaboration. Most students will never see the outside of this area, and I want to expose them to as much as possible. I plan to continue research on projects such as the Flat Classroom Project and Skype projects. I would also like to attend workshops or more online training that would assist me in creating a globally collaborative classroom.

            Again, the class "Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom" has been a very enlightening experience and has taught me numerous teaching strategies that can be used with my students. Teaching students the skills needed to be productive citizens in the 21^st century is vital for today's work force. Any guidance in making myself a better teacher is well appreciated.

*** This Email was sent by an educator at Riverside High School in Western Line School District.