1.5 Critical Reflection Journal Blog - Important Learnings Journal

What is new to my thinking or learning this past week?

             This week, we explored developing and applying teaching strategies for the online classroom. The last two years, specifically due to a worldwide pandemic, have changed the face of education as we know it.  With little to no notice, teachers have had to adapt their classrooms as they’ve shifted from in-person classrooms to an online classroom and, in some cases, multiple times throughout the school year with little notice. 

            The concept of the online classroom continues to change as new technologies emerge.  How, where, and when we learn are all questions that educators must answer as they develop and implement effective teaching strategies.  This week, I have come to understand that as teachers move forward with a ‘new normal’ post-pandemic, we need to do more than convert our physical classroom to an online classroom; we must creatively use new technologies to reach our students.

How has this new information challenged me? How has this stretched my professional growth and development?  What are the implications of this week’s learning on my professional practice?

             The information this week has challenged me to be open to change.  As an emerging educator, I need to continue to educate myself on new strategies for online learning and how to implement them in my classroom.  If there is one thing that the last two years have taught educators, it is to be adaptable to change.  We must be open to new strategies and the most effective ways to implement them no matter what type of classroom setting we find ourselves in.

How can these new learnings be used to impact my personal faith journey and my impact for the Kingdom?

             Technology has changed the face of education, but it has also changed how we can reach the world for Christ.  Just as teachers had to adapt their classrooms due to a worldwide pandemic in the last two years, churches also had to change the way they reached their congregation.  Just as educators must answer the questions of how, where, and when students learn, pastors have had to adapt their sermons and worship services.  Just as the concept of a classroom with no walls has emerged, the church could say the same.   When it comes to sharing our faith, we should be a church with no walls, sharing our faith with everyone we encounter.