Reflection: Teaching New Literacy Skills in the Classroom

The skills needed for the modern student are different from those of there predecessors. Our past was rooted in book culture while our future will be rooted in online and digital media (Laureate, 2008). Even as a teacher of physical education I must understand these literacy skills and assist my students in learning how to use then in my curriculum and those of the classroom teacher. Working with these new literacy skills has really opened my eyes to understanding that technology is not just the computers and software that is in the computer lab, but it is also the personal technologies and programs that the students use everyday in their personal lives. As I look to expand physical education into the technology realm many of the concepts that I have learned in this class will serve my students and I well for the future.

My striking revelation learned from taking this course was that evaluating online information was critical before using websites for factual purposes. I had the opportunity to look through different websites that looked like their information was factual and correct. However, once the websites were looked through for author, bias, content, dates, and editor it was obvious that they were filled with bias. Being able to see how easily I was fooled made me scared for my students if I do not do my part and protect them by giving them the skills to know what is factual and what is not.

The knowledge and experiences that I have received in this class will make my students and I be able to navigate the internet better as consumers and researchers. Using the inquiry-based method will allow me as a facilitator to challenge my students better than before I took this course.

The professional development goal I would like to pursue is explore more ways to combine physical education and technology. I understand that these two subjects are not necessarily easy to combine. However, I believe that technology can expand the nature and understanding of physical education. I believe my students can use this as another avenue to understand my subject matter and be able to convey what they have learned to other students and adults.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this course and believe that thanks to this course and my instructor I will be able to use these new literacy skills in my classroom and help my students succeed.

References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). New Literacies [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.