As this course comes to a close, I can certainly say that I have learned a lot. I look forward to gaining more knowledge about teaching strategies and how to embed technology into lessons. Even though I have taken only a few courses, my understanding of technology has grown exponentially. I am amazed with every session how much more there is to learn. I really enjoyed this course and creating the different projects. While the projects were a challenge, the professors constantly expressed the fact on how we should create these projects that we can use in the classroom. We are not just completing these projects for us or for our Master's course, but for our students as well. Not only are we growing but our students are now able to grow with us as we continue our journey through the technological world.
1. What are some things that you have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology?
One of the most important things that I have learned that integrating technology in the classroom should be effective in order for learning to take place. I really enjoyed learning about TPack and looking at lessons from various perspectives. It opened my eyes to the fact that just because a a certain lesson may not be the best for one aspect, doesn't mean that it will not work in a different aspect. TPack states that technology use should be used daily and should be differentiated.
Also, learning about the UDL Guidelines helped me to view a lesson plan differently. It opened my eyes to various barriers that I may have for my students. UDL is a wonderful plan to use both with and without technology. UDL allows for technology to be a tool or the main event.
Most importantly: you can never count on technology 100% to do what you want when you want. Be flexible and open and always have a backup :)
2. How did integrating web-based technologies help you think about and evaluate uses of technology?
This course integrated a lot web-based technologies. We created a stair, looked at wikispaces, evaluated webquests and much more. We were also able to share these on Merlot and be given feedback. The feedback is wonderful for you and others. As the creator, it helps to see your lesson from a different view and get other's perspectives. As an educator, it helps to guide you in the right direction. Merlot is a wonderful tool and I am excited to continue my use as a creator and educator.
The most effective technology is taught when it is embedded into the curriculum. Using technology for the sake of using technology may not add as much value as if you were to make it part of the lesson.
3. How have you met your own personal goals for learning about technology integration?
One of my greatest accomplishments happened by accident. I read one assignment wrong and created a webquest. I have seen so many of them and have had my students participate in ones that other people have created, but I have always wanted to make one of my own. So, misreading the directions, i did just that. I created a webquest that I am not very proud of. With everything that I have learned along the way, creating the webquest was not as difficult as I thought it may have been. Even though it did not seem to turn out the way I wanted to, creating the STAIR project was also a challenge. Not only did I have to make sure I had had the correct concepts and information, but to make sure that i was integrating technology and making it interactive served as a challenge. It also helped me to see that just because something works on one computer, does not mean that it will work with everything and technology is not always going to go your way.
4. Do you have any new goals? What are your plans for reaching your new goals and your long-term goals after this course is over?
My new goals are to continue to expand my knowledge and understanding of integrating technology into the classroom and content. I want to continue to learn how to effectively use technology to help students learn not only the content but also the technology. I want to familiarize myself with many different types of technologies and how to best incorporate them. My other goal is to share what I have learned with others. I have enjoyed sharing my stair and webquest and look forward to all the other technologies I can share.
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