All great things must come to an end, and sadly so must this class. This education course was such a great experience! I learned so much that I know will be very useful and necessary in my classroom. When I think back to the beginning of the semester, I had no idea how valuable this class would be. I knew that this course would teach me how to use technology efficiently which would then aid me in the future when I begin teaching. However, I learned so much more than that!
Photo Credit: Jessica Keyes
During this semester, I learned how to use technology to enhance my learning and my future classroom. Additionally, I learned how to critique websites, embed websites, pictures, and videos. Additionally, the online collaboration during the Wikipage and lesson plan assignments helped me learn how to communicate effectively through technology and the internet as a medium. Also, throughout the course, the blog and discussion assignments allowed me to communicate my ideas and understanding of the textbook, Transforming Learning with New Technologies, with my classmates and gain their understanding and perspectives. Further, in one discussion specifically, we discussed the ethical and legal issues which are imperative in this diverse society. Last, I learned how to think critically in every assignment. I used critical thinking when composing the blogs, discussions, selecting corresponding technology to enhance the tasks, and creating the lesson plans.
Photo Credit: Jessica Keyes
My favorite part of this course was learning about all the different digital tools and how to effectively use them. More specifically, I truly enjoyed creating the WebQuest and the Teacher Webpage. The course modules are very detailed. I appreciated how there were examples to every assignment and a detailed rubric outlining specific guidelines. The course was so organized that it made learning and staying on track a breeze. If I could offer one bit of constructive criticism to the course, it would be the collaborative projects. I understand the value and need for collaborative projects. However, I may not have put them so close together. I may have scheduled the Wiki project towards the beginning of the semester and the lesson plan towards the end of the semester. However, this is just a personal preference. Group projects tend to be stressful, so I feel that I needed some more time to de-stress from the first group project.
All in all, this course is fantastic. I give credit to the organization, structure, textbook, content, and the professor. This class was easy to follow along with from beginning to end. I learned such valuable material to enhance and improve education with technology, as well as improved my use of digital tools and technology, communication, critical thinking, and insight on ethical and legal issues. This course was one of my favorite college classes. Until we meet again!
Resources
Bennett, C. (2016, May 3). Bon Voyage - Tumbler Banner by Futureleaderstoday. Retrieved May 03, 2016, from https://www.canva.com
Keyes, J. (2011, May 19). New Technology in the Classroom: SMART Boards. Retrieved May 03, 2016, from https://www.slideshare.net/jessicakeyes/new-technology-in-the-classroom-smart-boards
Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
After completing chapter eight and chapter ten. I absolutely fell in love with the content that was offered in both chapters. Namely, teaching beyond the school day, universal design for learning, and multicultural education in the 21st century. All three things resonated with me, and spoke to my inner future educator.
Teaching Beyond the School Day
I aspire to be an educator that makes a difference in the lives of all students. Opening communication after school hours is genius! Creating a website or blog for my students is such a great way to engage students outside of the classroom, and continue to educate them after school hours are long gone. This concept really got me thinking. How much time in a day will I have to reach my students? While there is no guarantee that my students can or will access the additional support I plan to offer, if my after hours classroom support reaches one student then my mission is accomplished.
Universal Design For Learning
The implementation of a concept that successfully reaches a wide range of students might very well be every educator's wish, and if it is not, it should be. This concept is special to me because I believe in providing additional support and assistance to students that have learning disabilities. However, I could not help but wonder if additional time is spent tending to some students, are the other students getting the quality education they deserve? I love that universal design for learning offers equal education to all students.
Multicultural Education in the 21st Century
As our beautiful country continues to grow, so does the diversity. It is imperative that educators have the tools to reach students of all backgrounds. I breaks my heart when students fail because they do not have the resources necessary to succeed. For example, when I was conducting a field experience at a local elementary school I sat in a first-grade classroom and watched a Haitian boy doodle for two hours straight. The teacher gave me the green light to engage the students and help them with their project. Wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, I jumped up and made my way around the room. I went up to the Haitian boy and watched as he doodled on a worksheet. Once he acknowledged me, I asked him what he was learning. A girl at his table explained to me that he did not speak English only Creole and a little bit of Spanish. I used the little bit of Spanish that I know to help him understand the project. He asked me in Spanish how to say things in English; once I translated it for him he sounded it out and wrote it in English. It was time for me to leave, and he asked if I would be back tomorrow to help. I explained that I would not be returning. What he did next has stayed with me two years later, he thanked me for taking the time to help him then said he knows his teacher wants something from him but he can never figure out what it is, and she cannot explain it to him. The little Haitian boy broke my heart for all English learners that need extra instruction but do not receive it. I promised myself that I would never leave a child behind like that.
In conclusion, I believe that effective teaching is a combination of, teaching beyond the school day, universal design for learning, and multicultural education in the 21st century. The before mentioned concepts are important to the modern day teacher and our modern day students.
Resources
Bennett, C. M. (2016, March 06). Gliffy Diagram | Effective Teaching. Retrieved March 06, 2016, from http://www.gliffy.com/go/publish/10170429
While all of the content found in chapters five and seven are valuable, I selected three topics that stood out most to me. I selected criteria for evaluating web resources, google earth and google maps, and simulation game on which to reflect..
First, I would like to discuss the criteria for evaluating web resources. The criteria guidelines outlined in the textbook, Transforming Learning with New Technology, are rules to be followed. I created a rubric for a website evaluation and found that accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage are all important aspects of a credible website. I then realized that the criteria also applies to many other aspects of education. For example, textbooks and instructors should meet the criteria of credibility. I have been fortunate enough to have professors that respect accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage which is an inspiration to me as a future educator.
Second, Google Earth and Google Maps has always been a valuable and personal favorite tool of mine. I used to joke with family and friends that I traveled the world and walked the streets of Paris after breakfast. I found that using Google Maps gives me a glimpse into the cultural differences of other countries which are such a valuable tool in social and foreign studies. Additionally, Google Earth is extremely useful in science. I used Google Earth while taking oceanography, and it helped me identify underwater volcanoes and fault lines among other things.
Last, simulation games are a new concept for me. Personally, I do not believe that I have played a simulated game that incorporates real-world concepts and processes. At first, when I read this part of chapter seven I did not really see the value of simulated games when there are so many other options to educate. However, it makes so much sense that students would become engaged in the creative game that teaches students while they are unaware of it. It is actually pretty genius.
In conclusion, I enjoyed reading about the criteria for evaluating web resources and seeing the correlation of how the criteria also applies to educators and textbooks. I was excited to see that Google Earth and Google Maps is used in education to teach students in elementary and secondary schools. I learned about simulation games as a valuable and creative tool for the classroom that engages students to learn through play. Also, chapter five and seven provided many helpful websites that I plan to add to my delicious account!
References
Futureleaderstoday (2016, February 21). If it is on the internet then it must be true. รข€“ Social Media by futureleaderstoday. Retrieved February 21, 2016, from https://www.canva.com/design/DABri58TllU/6p3-TgZipkx3NnYciknj7A/edit
Maloy, R, Verock-O’Loughlin,R. E., Edwards,
S. A., and Woolf, B. P., (2013). Transforming
Learning with New Technologies. 2nd
Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc
Mrsbennett2015 (2016, February 21). ToonDoo - World's fastest way to create cartoons! Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://www.toondoo.com/privateView.toon?param=sT2w3wEEYHHRNutmdkM9mZQPKXzfi/PvjAjE/vxkGHgHTm7Q4eul1Q==
There were so many great elements in both chapter two and chapter three in the textbook, Transforming Learning with New Technology. However, I found that there were three things that stood out among the rest of the content. Namely, responding to innovation and change, using technology to enhance teaching, and teacher-centered and student-centered teaching methods.
First, responding to innovation and change was informative to me in the sense that it gave me insight as to how other educators handle technology. I realized that I consider myself to be an Early Adapter, as classified in figure 2.1 on page twenty-six while there are educators who refuse to use technology aside from the administrative responsibilities. Change is very difficult to adapt to for many individuals, but I see it as an exciting challenge to engage myself and my students. I hope that when I begin working in education, I find a school and a team that is supportive and forward thinking in technology. No more blackboards! Although, I kind of miss the smell... it that weird?
Second, using technology to enhance teaching, when done properly is a gold mine! I feel that it is still important for the educator to have the instruction time in which the students learn from the teacher as the source of knowledge. That being said, technology can enhance even the dullest lectures with interactive slides and colorful pictures to enhance the listener’s understanding of the topic. While reading this section of chapter two, I was enlightened to learn that there are many pros to incorporating technology into the lesson plan, but my favorite is motivating students to learn. In an era where technology is our present and our foreseeable future, it is likely that most students will thrive when given the opportunity to learn through technology.
Third, I want to reflect on teacher-centered and student-centered. When I began down the path of education, I aspired to be like the teachers I grew up with. Students like myself learned from lectures and the teacher being our source of information. We did not use tablets or computers to learn, and our technology was not digital. It feels like a simpler time. However, our society is so diverse now than it was when I was a child. As I continue to become educated about the ways students learn, it makes me realize how many students would have further succeeded if they only had the ability to learn the way they were wired to learn. I love this article about Rick Scott passing a student-centered learning bill for students with disabilities. I can only hope that all students will have the equal opportunity to learn in a way that caters to them as individuals.
In conclusion, as I continue my journey to becoming an educator, I find myself more attracted to the concept of student-centered education. I am becoming more and more aware of how technology can enhance education, and how I can incorporate technology into my classroom. Further, I have realized that while I am ready to jump ship and learn about all things digital, many of my coworkers, parents, administrators, and students may take a little longer to understand the benefits technology will forever provide.
Below is a lengthy video. However, please take a moment to watch how Sugata Mitra explains how technology changed the way children can learn, and how quickly they learn with access to technology. While this video discusses these changes in other countries, it applies to our students here as well.
Resources
Bennett, C. (n.d.). Bitstrips for Schools. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/comics/WS58W1/
Bennett, C. (n.d.). Poetry by futureleaderstoday on Storybird. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://storybird.com/poetry/poem/cxyywxskw4/
Bennett, L. (2013, July 2). Governor Scott Signs Student-Centered Bills. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Governor-Scott-Signs-Student-Centered-Bill-214065761.html
Kunnen, E. (2015, August 03). Emerging Technologies to Enhance Teaching and Enable Active Learning. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://er.educause.edu/articles/2015/8/emerging-technologies-to-enhance-teaching-and-enable-active-learning
TedGlobal2010. (2010, July). The child-driven education. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_the_child_driven_education?language=en
First, as we all know technology is
prominent in this informative day and age. Until I read chapter one, I thought
nothing of the fact that there is a whole generation that has had constant
exposure to technology since infancy. Technology has such a presence in the
lives of the iGeneration;
I can infer that they thrive in it. Technology is simple, second nature, and
exciting to this generation. Therefore, as an educator, I now know that I must
be sharp and proficient in my knowledge of technology. My experience with
technology is minimal and basic, so I have a lot to learn. In fact, this is my
first blog. I am excited to think of ways to utilize the creativity that
technology offers within my curriculum as a future educator which leads me to
my next topic.
Second, the tools for teaching and
learning through technology offers many advantages to educators, students, and
parents. I learned that I can use technology to stay active and
extend learning after school hours. I am most excited about this! As an
educator, we only have so much time to reach and teach our students, so it is
brilliant that I can create instructional and interactive learning methods
through technology. The wheels in my head began spinning when I read this
portion of this text. It would have never occurred to me that I could engage
and interact with my students and their parents through blogs or an app for
their smartphones. Ultimately, technology will make a difference in my ability
to communicate and educate the generation that is enamored with all things
digital. Therefore, I must learn how effectively manipulate technology to teach
in a fun and exciting way.
Third, digital identity is a new concept
for me. However, I love the idea of creating a presence on the internet with my
blogs, and interactive websites for my students, my student’s parents, and my
future employer to visit. I am always excited to learn, and now I know how
important the presence of technology will be in my classroom. I have typically
avoided learning how to use the newest technologically. For example, when
Facebook came out, I was the last of my friends to sign up for an account. I do
not use Twitter or Snapchat. I guess I always assumed technology is a fad that
will fizzle out. After reading this chapter, it is evident to me that
technology is not only continuing to grow, but it is also an innovative and
efficient way to educate. Okay technology, you have my attention.
Overall, chapter one in the textbook,
Transforming Learning with New Technologies, is pleasantly informative and full
of valuable content that will benefit educators and aspiring educators alike.
The purpose of this blog is to centralize and reflect on three topics that are
personally paramount. Though the entire chapter was enlightening, the three
things that captured my interest are an eye-opener for me. I thought this class
would educate me on the types of technology used in schools, but now I can tell
that this course will offer much more than that. I am very excited to learn how
to build my digital identity and enrich the lives of my students using
technology.
I love how the video below shows the evolution of technology in education, and how far it has truly come since the beginning of time!
Reference
Maloy, R. W., Verlock- O'Loughlin, R.
E., Edwards, S. A., and Woolf B. P., (2013). Transforming Learning with New
Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Rosen, L. R., PhD. (2010). Welcome
to the iGeneration! Retrieved from https://www.ychologytoday.com/blog/rewired-the-psychology-technology/201003/welcome-the-igeneration
SMART Technologies. (2011). The
History of Technology in Education. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFwWWsz_X9s
