Teachers have always been early-adopters of new technologies.

Computers, enhancement software and digital projectors have been

introduced into classrooms to replace older tools used. These new
technologies have improved our practice as teachers, and have presented
students with excellent learning opportunities. While the benefits of
replacing paper and pencil with N! "eyboards students are exponential, #
see technology in the classroom as a more revolutioni$ing idea. %s the
mobile generation populates our des"s, the inclusion of new, emergent
technologies into the classroom is inevitable. #t is an opportunity to explore
the transforming effect new technologies can have on pedagogy. While
introducing technology into the classroom is not new, it is the way in which
we interact with technology in the classroom that is groundbrea"ing.
&eing a life-long learner with a passion for both education and
technology, #'m loo"ing to increase my s"ill-set and apply new "nowledge
within and beyond my classroom. The opportunity to engage students in
technology-based learning is ever-present, as we see a shift from
standardi$ed (one-si$e-fits-all) methodologies of education to more
student-centered and personali$ed learning practices. Through this
program, # would li"e to further develop my s"ills, and build a repertoire of
resources necessary to ma"e this shift in my own pedagogy. *eveloping a
global networ" of li"e-minded colleagues would add depth and meaning to
my second-language instruction. +aving the opportunity to share and
compare practices and resources with global colleagues would enhance
cultural and language-learning aspects of my curriculum.
%s a participating teacher in the *igital Citi$enship and ,obile
-earning i.od Touch project, # have ta"en the initiative to mentor other
teachers in using the devices in an academic setting. Through this
program, # hope to further develop my leadership s"ills and continuously
share new "nowledge with my peers. %s students become more
comfortable using emergent technologies, it is imperative that teachers
have the same familiarity with the devices in order to successfully
implement them into our daily practice. With the s"ill-set # hope to develop
through this program, # would encourage and execute regular technology-
based professional development amongst my colleagues and throughout
the board.