One of our final assignments was to develop a lesson plan demonstrating how we could implement new and emerging technologies with the real possibility of having to apply for grants in order to achieve this. I chose Ed Voice for its effective and user-friendly applications focused on elementary students. Plus, it is relatively inexpensive. Now, what will students learn from this new technology? They will understand essential collaboration skills which are a requirement for the 21st century career person. Additionally, they will join with other students from various communities in working together on same issues and/or current events.

My completed assignment demonstrates my learning in this course because we were given quality resources from our instructor on new and emerging technologies, and guidelines on how to apply this in our teaching profession. Further, these new technologies demonstrated how they can be implemented directly in the classroom to enhance learning. We also were given important instructions on reasons for needing grants, grant applications, what to avoid when requesting them, and we developed a grant proposal.

Some immediate adjustments I will make in my classroom regarding new and emerging technologies is to become more involved with an Internet resource our school has recently adopted, called Renzulli Learning. It focuses on differentiated instruction based on individual student profiles and then develops on-level lessons and games for them. Furthermore, students can collaborate with the teacher on assignments, feedback, etc. There is also a blogging application.

It is my goal to further technology adoption in our school by utilizing the above site several times a week, focusing on academic gains and reports, and then merging Ed Voice in when I am able to. I believe the administration at my school will begin embracing the idea when they know that important safety issues have been addressed through Ed Voice, as well as maintaining cost-effective measures so schools can purchase the product.

21st century learning includes collaboration, developing new ideas, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and much more. The stated lesson plan contains these elements, and students will gain meaningful learning from participating in this activity.