Last post- Reflection

Before starting this class, I was completely oblivious to the importance of technology in society and our classrooms. This was my first education course and it served as a nice jump start to the education world. It was extremely convenient that the professor was attentive to all of her classmates and was constantly providing feedback. This course was rigorous but I definitely had a great experience and there was many great outcomes.

I found the importance of personal reflection and I see how often it is used in this field. To provide good feedback to your students, you need to reflect on your own work to provide the best feedback. The chapter reflection posts that we published to Blogger was a creative, fun, and easy way to go over a chapter (because who reads chapters anyway?) We were required to reflect on our opinions and what we would do in the classroom. This allowed us to tap into our creative side and determine what steps we would take as a teacher. I think it’s important to reflect so we can prepare to immerse ourselves into these situations. I also like that the book used real-life situations from a teacher’s point of view.  

My favorite assignment was the WebQuest project. Even though the WebQuest was made for my hypothetical classroom, I felt like I was on the adventure myself. I learned so much from that assignment and can see why students are so easily engaged with that assignment. This assignment is one that I will use in the future. Another favorite assignment was the E-portfolio. The portfolio required a lot, and I could test my tech skills.

Although I could have completed a Podcast for a Blogger post, it seemed like a lot of work. I would have like to see an assignment requiring you to complete a podcast. A podcast assignment could be to introduce yourself with a mini-biography. This assignment would serve as an ice-breaker as well.

This class definitely exceeded my expectations. I went into this class not-so-confident about using different technology tools and media. I am much more confident and prepared to build from the tech skills I have attained through this course. The professor let us know what her expectations were and helped us achieve them. I got a lot from this course and would recommend it to anyone interested in this profession.

Resources: 

Alaimo, Avery (4 December, 2015.) E-Portfolio. Made with http://msalaimoeme.weebly.com/

Alaimo, Avery (15 December, 2015.) WebQuest. Made with http://zunal.com/webquest.php?

   w=302251

(croughs nest tumblr)

Digital Blog Post #L - Chapter 12

Chapter 12

In our rapidly changing technology world, it is crucial that we use technology in our classrooms. Our students will be using a building from the tech skills we equip them with for the rest of their lives. As a future educator, I will need to incorporate the use of websites, blogs, podcasts, games, and other tools into my lesson plans. It is no question that students will be more engaged in their assignments if technology is involved. A teacher should be a leader in integrating technology.

I like the point made in the “Voices from the classroom” part of the text. The teacher explains that there is a much different energy in the room because both the teacher and students are exploring websites together. I feel like the students would feel more independent being able to navigate without the teacher’s directions. This feeling of independence will encourage students to further navigate through these educational websites and engage students in the lesson(s).

I especially like the point made in the “Digital Dialog 12.1” section of the text that we (future educators and educators) should reduce the technology gap with low-income families. I will close the gap by integrating technology into lessons that my students will complete both independently and in a group. I could interview my students so I know who needs more tech experience. I both agree and disagree with the Bring Your Own Technology program. A student that comes from a low-income family would be in class without a device of their own. The advantage that it helps for schools who cannot afford the technology, and students are more familiar with their own devices.

I agree with the “Digital dialog 12.2” that classrooms are technologically out-of-date. I have observed classrooms that use the same computers as I did when I was in middle school. It may be very difficult with only one computer and large screen, but I could draw names or have a set-schedule for computer use. With the large screen, I would have students come to the projected screen on a whiteboard for math problems. If my students had computer lab time, I would let them navigate through websites independently or in a group so they are equipped with tech skills. I would be of help if needed of course.  If I felt like students needed to be more aware of the rising technology world, I would hold a small discussion about the types of devices and tools they will be using. I would show them what blogs, wikis, podcasts, journals are and how they can use them in their future.

Yes, the advancing technology world can be overwhelming, but it is crucial to the educational world. We need to equip our students with the tech skills to build on in their futures. Students will be using these tech skills for the rest of their lives. Future and current educators need to be mindful of those who may not have access to these technologies. We should help our students familiarize themselves with these devices and tools for more engagement and to encourage them to further their skills. 

Resources:

Alaimo, Avery (2 December, 2015) Technology Interview. Made with Kahoot. Retrieved 

   from https://create.kahoot.it/?_ga=1.174093154.1735264295.1443583303&deviceId=781e60ce-

   7db8-4b0e-8215-b5a253ac0ec3#survey/9dfd3232-55d1-46f1-a643-48e3bc4da831

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New  

Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

https://play.kahoot.it/#/k/9dfd3232-55d1-46f1-a643-48e3bc4da831