Blog #4: Planning and Implementation

As a teacher, I feel a need to break down the barrier between me and my students. I do not subscribe to the "chalk-and-talk" approach to teaching, primarily because I believe there are more effective ways. Because of this, I think I have created a safe and secure culture in my classroom that encourages risk-taking and creativity. This, in my opinion, is essential in a creative arts classroom, such as music. It also may be essential in a classroom that explores the most effective use of web 2.0 tools. I have found that, because of this environment in my room, experimenting with and incorporating web 2.0 tools in my classroom has been a generally successful experience. I think it is key for the teacher to be participating with and learning along side of the students as new technology is explored. I think of Second Life as an example. If I were to incorporate this in my classroom, I would be learning things right along side of my students. Especially with web 2.0, it is impossible to know everything. We as teachers need to accept the fact that the days of being the all-knowing ones have passed.
I would like to add another step to planning and implementation: reflection. Planning and implementing the tools is obviously important, but being a critically reflective teacher is, in my opinion, paramount. I often feel that this step is missing. It is in this stage that teachers determine if the tool effectively enhanced the curriculum or not. I believe that this is time to evaluate the tool's use, not the tool itself.