Week 8 Reflection

EDUC-6715I-1 New and Emerging Technologies

Instructor: Jacqueline Derby

The world is filled with new and emerging technologies! Some of them may be beneficial while others may not. I believe educators need to keep up-to-date with new technology in order to provide students with a motivating and engaging environment. For educators to be successful the administration needs to provide technology training so teachers can utilize these powerful tools to enhance the classroom.

When students are not in school they are often “plugged” into some form of digital media. This is how they communicate, collaborate and entertain themselves. I think it is important for educators to tap into what motivates students and use these 21^st century tools to enhance the learning environment. Online learning modules, MUVEs and digital games all have great potential to influences and transform the traditional classroom. After creating my own lesson plan, using MUVE as the learning catalyst, I discovered many benefits. The benefits include; cognitive strategies, risk-taking opportunities, collaboration and oral and written communication. These are important skills for our children to learn and be proficient in so they can be successful in their learning experiences.

I consider myself a forward thinking teacher and a leader in adopting different technologies. I know the process of identifying and researching educational technology can be long. It is also human nature to resist any type of change. In order to educate my colleagues I will continue learning about Web 2.0 tools and the amazing opportunities they can provide to the classroom. I will create a team to help motivate and inspire my peers. Our team will develop a flexible plan. Along our technology journey we will celebrate the small successes. Finally, I learned that a good education starts with a good teacher and technology is a tool that enhances the experience. It does not always have to be the newest and greatest application as long as the students are using the tool that will best serves their needs.

Resources

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program five. Change [Motion picture]. New and Emerging Technologies. Baltimore: Author.

Moodle in the Classroom

EDUC-6715I-1 New and Emerging Technologies

Instructor: Jacqueline Derby


Spotlight on new emerging technology was an interesting assignment. As a final project we were asked to create a presentation using a digital tool that would illustrate online learning. Click the image to view my presentation.

Assessing for Learning - Reflection

EDUC-6714I-1 Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology

Instructor: Jacqueline Derby






The secret is out! Children learn in many different ways. If teachers want to engage students in THEIR education then teachers need to diversify their instruction to meet the needs of all students. Differentiated instruction does not mean educators have to reinvent what they are already doing, but to reexamine their approach. It is important to take into consideration students interests, readiness and learning styles. Taking a closer look at their students abilities will help teachers to identify different strategies that will maximize learning opportunities.

Luckily for teachers there are many resources to gather information from. Even if a teacher is across the country we are all striving for the same thing ~ Providing a successful learning environment for all students~ . Being able to share ideas regarding Universal Design for learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) strategies and ideas is beneficial. It can give the teacher a different point of view. I believe I have only scratched the surface of learning about UDL and DI. I will continue researching and trying different strategies. The biggest lesson I have learned is to be patient with the process and take it one step at a time.

One key element to Differentiated Instruction is technology and promoting 21st-century skills. Technology can be very empowering and allows teachers to differentiate their instruction effectively. Children have grown up with technology and are very adapt at using it. A couple problems may be availability of the technology and application software that will fit the curriculum. This is where a network of teachers can help troubleshoot ideas. The use of technology does not mean it has to be a lot of bells and whistles. Just a method to keep students engaged and excited about learning. Technology will help motivate and personalize the student’s experience and give them a unique why to express what they know.

One thing I will change in my instructional practice is to allow students more choices in their final project. The use of a tic-tac-toe board or a three-three grid of activities will give students activities that should interest them. This strategy will let students grow and give them ownership of their learning. .

Success for all learners can be a reality! It needs to start by removing the old constraints of educating students. Teachers should provide support where needed but be willing to step back and guide the students. All children want to be successful! When educators provide the tools, motivation and strategies students will soar and become life-long learners.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008a). Program ten. Knowing your students [Motion picture]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008a). Program twelve. Universal design for learning [Motion picture]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.

Reflection

Course: Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas
Instructor: Virgil Kirk

Thanks to the technological advances found in our educational environment, learning is no longer confined to the four walls of the classroom. If the 21st century teacher wants to capture the attention of her students she will need to integrate technology into the curriculum. This task can be challenging but the rewards will benefit both the teacher and her students. Using a variety of instructional strategies and learning tools students will be interacting and taking ownership of their learning. The GAME plan I developed during this course will assist me in developing lessons that will challenge my students.

I’m still working on my first goal:5b exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skill of others.

After the Christmas break I plan on starting the “Tech Café” for my staff. I’m looking forward to sharing different ways to enhance the curriculum with technology. The biggest hurdle I had to overcome for this goal was patience. I wanted everyone to be as excited as I am about technology. I realize that technology means change and some of my colleagues are digital immigrants and will take time to assimilate.

My second goal: 2c: customize and personalize learning activates to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resource.

While developing my plan I was able to introduce technology in a purposeful manner. For each lesson, the standards correlated to the curriculum and created a higher level of learning for my students. I liked that the GAME plan allows for modification and revamping of ideas. The GAME plan is flexible and easy to create. At this time I will not be modifying my plan. After the break I plan on having my students create their own GAME plan.

I am very excited about implementing the GAME plan I created in our learning community. While developing this plan I was able to visualize the different technologies and how they will enhance the content of the lesson. This is a unit I will be able to modify and adjust as needed. I believe this unit has opened my eyes to the many possibilities that technology offers in the learning environment.