Reflection Post

Courtesy of Nikki Guillette

When I decided to take this class, Introduction to Technology for Educators, I knew I would be learning beneficial information.  I was not disappointed by any means!  I am amazed at how much I have learned this semester from this course.  Before this class, I knew the basics of the internet; how to explore for information and surf, but had often wondered how websites and Blogs were set up and arranged.  I can now say, “I know how to do that!”  I am very proud of what I have accomplished through my assignments because this is what learning is all about.  Even though there were some weeks when I felt like giving up because of the workload, I kept struggling, and as each week passed, it was one more week conquered.  I may not have worked on all of the tools that the professor suggested, due to lack of time and yes, frustration, but I do plan to explore them in the future.  It will be to my benefit to do so, and I welcome the challenge.

  

Courtesy of Denis Krebs

I enjoyed doing several of the assignments, like the WebQuest, the web page, our collaborate Lesson Plan (Go Green Team!), and even the Wiki Project (I struggled through this one).  I enjoyed the collaborate assignment because it encouraged our team to work together through cooperation, and each member contributed her creativity skills.   also liked the discussions because it gave the class an opportunity to communicate with each other and reflect on our individual thoughts.  Even though my projects may not have been perfect, I learned the concepts and feel confident that through practice I can get better at them.  That is what I plan to do, continue practicing what I have learned as I pursue my education and my career. 

I plan to implement some of the concepts I have learned at work with the group of children in our after school program.  I have always enjoyed teaching others, so they can do for themselves and feel gratified.  Our world is technology driven, and I plan to be a part of it especially after learning so much from this course.  I am proof that when you set your mind to doing something, it can be achieved. 

Digital Badge #L

As teachers, we continue to learn, as we incorporate technology into our classrooms.  The book states, there are different types of technology equipped classrooms, even so, we adjust and plan to involve student participation.  Many classrooms do not have computers for every student and might have to take a class to the computer lab.  There are others that are equipped with a few computers so students can take their AR tests or work on interactive programs and be monitored by the teacher.  Many districts cannot afford computers for every student.  So no matter what the set up may be technology in classrooms is an effective tool that is prominent in most modern classrooms.  

    

There are many tools a teacher can use to help motivate and teach effectively.  Having a technology based approach to teaching motivates students to learn.  By using tools like the internet, teachers have an abundance resources at their fingertips they can tap into and engage students on a daily bases.  Smart boards have technology capabilities that allow students to participate actively.  On a lesson plan, teachers can implement lessons into the Smart Board to promote enthusiasm among the students.   An LCD Projector is another tool that has become popular in the classroom.  By connecting it to a computer, videos, PowerPoint, and projects can come alive and engross students with the presentation.  Students benefit at many levels in their academic subjects with technology-integrated classrooms. 

In our after school program, we have two rooms; one is for the classroom where homework and other activities are performed, and the other is a computer lab.  The children are always eager to work on the computer that makes me think computers are not readily available in their classrooms.  There is always somebody monitoring them in the lab when they work on research projects or interactive sites. They eagerly help one another when somebody asks for help or advice when navigating different sites.  The students enjoy the atmosphere and are curious to know what everybody else is learning.  This setup seems to work very well because they can be working individually or as a group.     

I believe that it is important to educate our students on the technology that is available.  It is how we communicate throughout the world and our students need to be prepared for the future.  As instructors, it is our duty to get involved by using and exhibiting knowledgeable technology skills.  We know that students need variety of learning activities if we want them to learn.  By making the lessons more inviting and fun, students participate and are motivated to excel.  

  

Resources:

 Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson

Digital Badge #K

Online learning and virtual schools have changed the way students seek an education.  Students attending college or High School want a variety of options, and the internet is offering those choices.  Individuals can take courses at home at their convenience and still get a valuable education.  Virtual schools allow High School students the capability for learning at home and the flexibility to learn at their pace.  As more colleges offer online classes, more students take the challenge of virtual learning.  It is becoming more the norm in education to take a classroom anywhere. 

There can be many reasons why students still in High School take online classes.  They learn at their pace, and classes are programmed according to their interests and unique learning styles.   The convenience of not having to attend a typical classroom provides more time for extra curriculum activities or job opportunities.  Even so, signing up for virtual courses has its pros and cons.  The student has to be self-discipline to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities.   This type of environment may not be for everybody because of the unusual arrangement.  In the long run, this exposure will prepare students for college schedules.  But regardless if they choose to opt for online courses, students should receive support at home in order to be successful.    

It seems that colleges are offering more online courses than ever before.  As I reviewed the classes I needed to take this semester, it seemed like there were more courses being offered online than the previous years.  I took my first online course during the summer and liked the flexibility it provided.   Among the many advantages, I did not have to drive to and from the campus, not only did this saved me time, but money on gas.  I opted to take more classes online for the fall semester, and as it turned out, I am currently taking three courses online.  I like the convenience and flexibility that online learning offers, but I would have preferred to have taken at least one course on campus.  The one I had chosen got canceled, and the only other option was to take it online.  I am getting used to the demanding schedule, but I admit that there are some weeks that I just want to give up!  I will struggle on because I made a commitment to myself and my education. 

 Each student’s learning capabilities are different, and some may need supplemental instruction, so I applauded those of us who have decided to join the revolution and be a part of online learning.  I did not think that online classes were my cup of tea, but as it turns out, they are not so terrible.  As long as you are self-disciplined and able to multitask, anybody who decides to take online classes should be just fine.  I realize that some courses should be taken in person, but the possibilities of learning anywhere and anytime is growing.  We live in the technology age and should take advantages of its conveniences. 

   

Resources

Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson

Digital Badge #J

Why assemble a digital teaching portfolio?  A digital teaching portfolio is a documented collection of materials and resources that captures a teacher’s skills as evidence of their teaching career.  It can help refine teaching skills, their effectiveness and philosophies.  Career development and progression are seen overtime through a variety of information.  It helps to see the inquiry, experimentation and reflection on a variety of activities that have been accomplished over time.  Assembling a teaching portfolio will help a teacher grow as a professional instructor by compiling effective methods that have been tried and proven.  

        

There are many elements to consider when building a portfolio.  You should start gathering components as you accomplish them to make assembly easier.  Highlight the positive achievements but also remember that we are not perfect teachers, and there is always room for improvement.  Be truthful about what you have done as an instructor.  Choose your documents well and have a cross selection of materials not just one subject or component.  It should be set up with some outline and explanation so the reader has a clear view of the contents.  

     

The following are some of the elements our book suggests a teacher e-portfolio should include: 

Resume:  This is a document outlining a person’s background and skills.  It provides information regarding job experiences and education.   

Philosophy:  This should state why you are teaching.  What would you like to accomplish as an educator?  What drives you to give guidance to students?

Lesson or Unit Plans and Reflection:  This is sample material already created and implemented.  Work done on previous occasions and a description of how effective (or not) it might have been.  Include samples of students’ work and feedback on activities.  Post your reflection on your approach and motivation behind the lesson plans and activities. 

    

Academic Courses and Research Experiences:  List of courses or workshop taken for professional development and comments on their effectiveness.  Also include any organizations you belong to and for how long. 

        

Teaching Experience:  This could also include reports on colleague collaboration projects, as well as, teaching awards received from universities or departments recognizing your achievements.  

A digital teaching portfolio is a way to document a teacher’s accomplishments, skills, and strengths.  It can offer an approach of self-monitoring and reflection on what you have achieved and what you plan on achieving in the future.  The process of setting up the teaching portfolio will help set new goals for future development and growth.  It is an ongoing project that requires new input and updates when needed.  As you grow as an instructor, so will your portfolio with great ideas to excite student learning.             

         

Resources

Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson

http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/teaching-portfolios/

Digital Badge #I

A lesson plan is a structural way a teacher can organize a learning activity planned for the day or week. Many components will be applied when building the lesson plan which should include:

ü  Objectives (what to teach)

ü  Teaching  and learning activities or methods (how to teach)

ü  Assessments (check student understanding of material)

Having specific goals for student learning will determine what kind of methods or procedures to use in class whereas; those methods will determine how well the students learned a lesson.  Incorporating technology in the lesson plan will assist with all of these techniques and hopefully make the lesson more enjoyable for the student.

 Outlining learning objectives should be the first thing to considering when planning the lesson plan.  Using search engines on the Internet to research information on the topic through blogs or wikis will be a beneficial way to shape your learning activity, which is the star of the show. Think about what you want the student to learn and why it is important.  What is your goal at the end of the lesson?  Next plan how time will be executed while doing the exercises.  Keep in mind that the classroom consists of a diverse group of students, and some may be familiar with the topic while others may not.  Anticipate student questions and provide time for discussion, but try not to deflect. 

There are several points to consider when explaining and engaging students to help them understand the topic it better.  With the use of technology and computers, this process becomes straightforward.  Using presentation, visual thinking, or interactive software can help students understand the topic in a more simplistic matter.  Videos and multimedia content can also demonstrate the concept or point you are teaching.  Encourage students to view clips or other online materials at home to help them become familiar with the concept.  You can also use analogies and real-life situations to make the topic more significant.       

Finally, you want to check for student understanding.  You may want to ask specific questions and have students summarize what they learned.  Assessment tools such as, tests and multiple-choice questions can be accessed from the web or produced electronically for students to do.  The lesson plan should be an organized tool that outlines teaching goals.  It is a guide on how to teach your classroom in a productive and effortlessly manner. 

http://linoit.com/users/SillyMana/canvases/Lesson%20Plan%20

Resources:

Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson

Use Technology Effectively | Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy (TEAL). (n.d.). Use Technology Effectively | Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy (TEAL). Retrieved October 25, 2014, from https://teal.ed.gov/tealguide/technology

Digital Badge #g

We all know that each child is unique, and they bring their own individuality to the classroom.  Having diversity in the classroom builds better educators because the teacher becomes the student.  Classrooms have to address the diversity that include culturally, racially ethnically, and linguistically students.  Teachers have to be sensitive to their needs and capabilities.  It may be possible to make changes to curriculum based on the needs of the diverse learners but through technology those changes have become more effective.  There are many programs and tools available for our diverse learners that will encourage them to succeed.  

There are many programs online available for ELL students that they can be used not only in the classroom, but at home.  These programs offer a variety of methods to practice and expose students to the English language.  Google Translate is a free website that instantly translates English to another language or vice versa.  Duoling.com is another educational program that is available free online for anybody to use.  This site takes the learner through different levels and uses a variety of methods for learning, such as, writing and pronunciation.  It is easy to become frustrated when you don’t understand what people around you are saying, but through patience and encouragement ESOL students can accomplish many goals. 

Assistive Technology includes adaptive devices for students with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting and using them.  These devices used in the classroom promote independence and improve functional capabilities for those with disabilities.  Some of these devices may scan text and then read aloud for those visually impaired.  Other tools may include special keyboards for those students that have difficulty typing.  There are different methods used to help these students learn and progress in their academic education.  School districts must consider assistive technology methods for those students with special needs which can range from autism, and visual, hearing, or mobile impairment.

    

No matter the diversity, every student should be taught to accommodate their needs.  Embracing their abilities along with the disabilities is part of the teaching process.  It is wonderful to know how technology is helping our students with learning disabilities.  They can use tools to keep them motivated and interested.  As educators, we have to adjust and become more sensitive to our student’s needs and be able to communicate effectively with families.   Students may feel alienated and disengaged from learning due to the circumstances but by providing them the tools for learning they will be successful.

 Resources

Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson

Digital Badge #H

Using presentation tools in the classroom is a wonderful technique for teaching.  Not only are the students reading and seeing the presentation, but they are also listening to the teacher as she explains the concepts.  Children are better learners when they can use all of their senses for learning.   They become more interested in the subject because of the different elements the presentation offers.  This type of production is a wonderful way of summarizing facts, presenting graphs or diagrams, and can be visually appealing.  We are all very familiar with the PowerPoint software program, but as the book states, there are other programs that provide a variety of presentation options.      

You can be creative with your presentation tool by inserting clip art, pictures, animations, and videos.  For the teacher part of the fun is producing one of a kind presentation for the class.  Some of the strategies involved in creating a presentation include using images to stimulate your perception of the topic.  They provide a platform for discussion for the whole class to evaluate as a whole and ask questions.  Assigning short writing assignments prompted by questions displayed on the screen is another method to get students to think about an assignment or a topic using presentation tools.  Having a variety of visual diversity like using slides as attention-getters, generates attentiveness with students and keeps them focus on the topic.  

I was most intrigued with the Prezi presentation program. I had seen it before but never done one of my own.  This will be my opportunity to try my hands on it.  As a future educator and current student, I know I need to acquire new techniques and methods for my education.  Developing a Prezi on my own will be educational and fun. I hope to continue advancing with each new technique I learn and teach others in the process. 

Presentation programs are a trendy way to exhibit information to an audience that captivates and keeps them wondering.  Just like any other program, they get easier with practice, and most have templates and custom layouts to the users’ advantage.  By adding multimedia components to the presentation, the production becomes more engaging.  The presenter is continuously engrossing, because they are interacting with the audience through the presentation, instead of just speaking from a bunch of notes.  The audience can follow along with handouts for writing notes, and the presentation can also be downloaded or stored in a USB for future usage.  This is another beneficial technology tool that not only teachers but anybody can use to present information in a revolutionary way.             

Resources

Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson