Reflection

Personal progress and academic growth is what I take away from this course. I did not only learn new technology tools, but increased my experience and desire for further success in my future professional environment. I plan to give my students a positive educational change in their lives. I was able to reaffirm my professional goals; which will facilitate my efforts educating a linguistically diverse population of students. I learned basic concepts, productivity technology tools while addressing ethical, social and cultural issues and how they relate to technology within education. I have been enabled this understanding for a successful, efficient and useful purpose that will promote my creativity as a teacher.
The United States is becoming more ethically, racially and linguistically diverse over time. This growth in diversity is especially noticeable within the educational system. It is very important that as a bilingual teacher to always build upon and connect existing cultural backgrounds of students. Deep understanding and cognitive engagement are more likely to be generated in contexts where instruction build on student’s prior knowledge and learning is supported by cultural and active collaboration within of learners (Cummins, Brown and Sayer pg. 47). The sensitivity and insight regarding cultural diversity, will give every one of my students an equal chance to succeed academically within a national system. Sometimes school districts are not aware of the impact of having a strong bilingual or ESL program for multicultural students. Unfortunately many times schools do not provide adequate support for teachers with the appropriate materials and/or the pedagogical theory behind it. The U.S. population has shown consistent trends of growth in diverse population, which not only will call for specialist, but also additional training for regular teachers. The use of computers and other technologies have proven to reinforce the teaching of English.
This semester I learned how to make the best use of new technologies (Blog, Podcast, Wikkies, Captivate, etc.). The educational impact that technology offers to teachers and students will transform the approach to oral and literate education within the ESL and bilingual programs.
As a result of this course, I was able to develop my abilities in meshing to enhance the learning experience in education and performance. The interaction that I had this semester with peers helped me tremendously to gain more confidence expressing myself. They were all very supportive and caring. I really enjoyed how everybody collaborated by sharing a piece of their knowledge on helping to contribute to the development of the U.S. Education System. I believe in fostering personal and academic growth and that is what I achieved this semester.

Cummins, J., Brown K., and Sayers, D. (2007). Literacy, Technology and Diversity:
Teaching for Success in Changing Times. Boston: Allyn &
Bacon.