I would say that I am neither a digital native nor a digital immigrant, but somewhere between the two.  I am confident with using technology and integrating it into my teaching, and am comfortable using PowerPoint, interactive Smart board lessons, projectors/Elmo's, clickers, etc.  My teaching lacks when it comes to teaching the children how to use all of the technology (although many times they have helped me with the technology).  My fifth grade students seem to be proficient with using the smart board and projectors, but could use more guidance with making word documents and PowerPoint presentations.  Additionally, my students need more help with researching on the Internet, which the first article referred to as ethics on the Internet.  My students tend to do a good job finding information on a topic, but need more guidance as to finding relevant/important information.  

The readings and videos this week were wonderful in pointing out the educational trends of the "information age."  Dr. Wagner raised the question, "how do we educate students to become more innovative?"  We need our students to become more critical thinkers, problem solvers, and we need evidence of independent learning.  Dr. Wagner continues to suggest that students need seven skills in order to be successful in the job place; critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration across networks, agility and adaptability, effective communication skills, accessing and analyzing information, entrepreneurship, and curiosity and imagination.  

While the wording and clusters were grouped differently, Dr. Wagner’s beliefs align with those of David Warlick’s.  Mr. Warlick stated that in addition to the 3 R’s, the new literacy needs to focus on the “4 E’s: Exposing knowledge, Employing information, Expressing ideas, and Ethics on the Internet.”  Warlick believes that instead of integrating technology into the classroom, we “should integrate contemporary literacy into technology.” 

The IDEO article again, reiterates the importance of innovative ventures. 

All assignments this week made me stop and reflect as an educator.  I completely agree, it is more important now than ever that we teach our children through inquiry.  They must learn to ask questions and become critical thinkers, they must be able to access and analyze information, collaborate and communicate, and be able to “think outside of the box.”  While I structure my classroom for collaboration and allow freedom to be creative, I need to do a better job about allowing my children to question and analyze their thinking and work.  In conclusion, this weeks articles allowed me to set teaching goals for this upcoming school year.  These goals will allow my students to grow and become more effective citizens and prepare them for the workforce.