Final Blog Reflection, wow! This class flew by, and I feel like I have learned so much.
(Source)
Part 1:
At the beginning of the course I realized that I had very little K in the KWL, and an awful lot of W. Now, I utilize Gmail to its fullest, complete with Google Docs. I have also learned about so many different Web 2.0 Tools, some that I didn't even know existed, such as:
Wordle
Scratch
Glogster
Blogger!
Voki
Animoto
Audiboo
Most of these I have even used on here!
Another large chunk of what I have learned is the ability to conduct research using the internet. I had a fairly good idea of how to do this beforehand when I was working towards my Bachelor's Degree, however I did not know how to utilize the internet specifically for teaching. There is a plethora of information out there, but this class taught me how how to filter out legitimate sites, and also listed a lot of websites to use. This is all made easier by using a program called Diigo, because it keeps all of these websites and information together in one place where it can be sorted into specific categories.
(Source)
While I covered a lot of the Course Objectives in my Midterm Reflection, I did not reflect upon these two Objectives:
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of adaptive technologies and other digital resources to personalize and differentiate learning activities for every student
I feel that we demonstrated an understanding of the use of adaptive technologies to personalize and differentiate learning activities for every student by discussing the adjustments that can be made for each lesson to accommodate each student. Such as having a student make a Voki, but only have them list 3 facts rather than 5. We also demonstrated this objective by discussing the use of digital resources to help teach students who may not have been able to participate before because of limitations. An example of this is the iPad, which can be utilized with just one finger.
8. Evaluate, adapt and reflect on emerging tools and trends by participating in local and global learning communities and by reviewing current research and professional literature
I think this Objective was accomplished throughout the entire term. We reviewed a lot of research (which was current, thanks to the internet!). A key example of participation would be when we joined in on a live Global Education Conference as a class. That was really neat to be connected to professionals from all over the country (and a few other countries!), and they were very pleased to have us there to learn.
All of this will help me as a future educator because I'm prepared for the direction Education is taking. I am equipped with the knowledge to use technology in the classroom, and use it successfully.
(Source)
Part 1:
At the beginning of the course I realized that I had very little K in the KWL, and an awful lot of W. Now, I utilize Gmail to its fullest, complete with Google Docs. I have also learned about so many different Web 2.0 Tools, some that I didn't even know existed, such as:
Wordle
Scratch
Glogster
Blogger!
Voki
Animoto
Audiboo
Most of these I have even used on here!
Another large chunk of what I have learned is the ability to conduct research using the internet. I had a fairly good idea of how to do this beforehand when I was working towards my Bachelor's Degree, however I did not know how to utilize the internet specifically for teaching. There is a plethora of information out there, but this class taught me how how to filter out legitimate sites, and also listed a lot of websites to use. This is all made easier by using a program called Diigo, because it keeps all of these websites and information together in one place where it can be sorted into specific categories.
While I covered a lot of the Course Objectives in my Midterm Reflection, I did not reflect upon these two Objectives:
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of adaptive technologies and other digital resources to personalize and differentiate learning activities for every student
I feel that we demonstrated an understanding of the use of adaptive technologies to personalize and differentiate learning activities for every student by discussing the adjustments that can be made for each lesson to accommodate each student. Such as having a student make a Voki, but only have them list 3 facts rather than 5. We also demonstrated this objective by discussing the use of digital resources to help teach students who may not have been able to participate before because of limitations. An example of this is the iPad, which can be utilized with just one finger.
8. Evaluate, adapt and reflect on emerging tools and trends by participating in local and global learning communities and by reviewing current research and professional literature
I think this Objective was accomplished throughout the entire term. We reviewed a lot of research (which was current, thanks to the internet!). A key example of participation would be when we joined in on a live Global Education Conference as a class. That was really neat to be connected to professionals from all over the country (and a few other countries!), and they were very pleased to have us there to learn.
All of this will help me as a future educator because I'm prepared for the direction Education is taking. I am equipped with the knowledge to use technology in the classroom, and use it successfully.
Part 2:
It is important for all teachers to integrate technology into the lessons they teach, regardless the age of the students or the genre taught because that is the direction the entire world is headed. Technology touches almost every aspect of our lives, so we should also use it as a tool.
(Source)
This class has emphasized that the lesson plan is bottom line the most important part, and that if technology can be integrated then great, but make it about technology. Technology should enhance the lesson plan and the learning for the students. We have covered so many examples (listed at the top of the post with links) that the options are endless really. It can be easy to make technology integration seamless. This is helpful because it will keep today's Digital Native's engaged and interested in what they are learning.
Of course there will be barriers to technology integration, such as funding, and the sad truth that some teachers don't want to change. As a future teacher, I think I can overcome these barriers by first being extremely fortunate to be part of the future teacher generation that is being taught all of this before they are even in the field. I also will try to overcome the funding barrier by utilizing whatever I am given to the best of its ability.
I am very happy that this was my first class in my Master's program, I feel that I will use so much of the information I learned!!
It is important for all teachers to integrate technology into the lessons they teach, regardless the age of the students or the genre taught because that is the direction the entire world is headed. Technology touches almost every aspect of our lives, so we should also use it as a tool.
(Source)
This class has emphasized that the lesson plan is bottom line the most important part, and that if technology can be integrated then great, but make it about technology. Technology should enhance the lesson plan and the learning for the students. We have covered so many examples (listed at the top of the post with links) that the options are endless really. It can be easy to make technology integration seamless. This is helpful because it will keep today's Digital Native's engaged and interested in what they are learning.
Of course there will be barriers to technology integration, such as funding, and the sad truth that some teachers don't want to change. As a future teacher, I think I can overcome these barriers by first being extremely fortunate to be part of the future teacher generation that is being taught all of this before they are even in the field. I also will try to overcome the funding barrier by utilizing whatever I am given to the best of its ability.
I am very happy that this was my first class in my Master's program, I feel that I will use so much of the information I learned!!
No comments:
Post a Comment