Sunday, June 16, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Katie's Final Reflection
Katie
Breen
Technology
Class
Final
Reflection
Part
1
This
final reflection includes items #8 and #9 on the course syllabus. I met the
following objectives.
Objective
7:
Demonstrate an understanding of the use of adaptive technologies and other
digital resources to personalize and differentiate learning activities for
every student.
Response: Some of the great things that have come out of technology advances
in the classroom has to do with differentiated learning. Students who have
difficulties learning because of issues with vision or hearing or writing are
now able to participate more fully in the lesson along with their peers. Often,
it’s a matter of making small adjustments or using simple tools. The following
excerpt from the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (link) discusses
the importance assistive technology very well. In part, it states, “Computer technology has great potential for learning
because it is so flexible; it can be customized to meet many diverse needs and
provide multiple means of access. It has the potential to take students way
beyond the limits of standard worksheets, teacher lectures and paper-pencil
tests. Computer technology can make the difference in whether or not a student
with a disability can actually participate in a class or merely watch while
other class members interact with the teacher and each other.”
One
of the main concepts I have learned with respect to students with special needs
is that they need to be a part of the classroom, and technology helps to bridge
the gap between those whom are regular learners and those who learn
differently. Fully integrating technology into the classroom for all learners
is the ideal approach, as opposed to simply having the technology available to
them.
Objective 8. Evaluate, adapt and reflect on emerging tools
and trends by participating in local and global learning communities and by
reviewing current research and professional literature.
Response: In this class, I learned of ways to connect to others in my
Professional Learning Community (I didn’t even know what a PLC was before this
class!) For me, this would include those involved with Elementary Education,
Special Education, technology in education, and students who are studying to be
teachers. The Web 2.0 tools that I used in class to help facilitate these
connections include Diigo, a social bookmarking tool, which allows me to create
groups, join groups and bookmark articles relating to my area of teaching and
other educational interests. I created blogs, that allow for the exchange and
sharing of information between a PLC, and webinars, a
live online educational presentation during which participating viewers can
submit questions and comments. When carefully selected, all of these tools will
help me to connect with other professionals in my area of study. Before taking
this class, I had no idea how educators communicated ideas with one another or
how teachers kept on top of changes in teaching philosophies and procedures, in
such a dynamic field. In the future, I will have a much better understanding of
where to find information pertaining to my PLC and interests, and this helps a
lot. Although, I learned about a multitude of tools to use in the classroom
today, I understand that new tools are continuously being developed, so knowing
where to go to learn about changes and new ideas is the most important part of
what I have learned in this class, I think.
Part 2
I
think technology in the classroom is where “it’s at” today, so educators need
to meet students “where they are”, and this is true at all levels of education.
Technology has fundamentally changed the way students learn. When used
correctly, the use of digital tools in the classroom is more powerful than
traditional teacher-led methods. Through technology, students take more of an
active role in learning and are more engaged in the process. Technology allows
students to work more individually and more effectively than traditional
learning. It provides them the opportunity to create something in which others
will be interested. According to the video, An Introduction to Technology
Integration by Edutopia, the best outcomes are seen in classrooms where there
is a mix of teacher and student face-to-face instruction along with
student-centered, technology instruction. This makes sense; I don’t think that
the two approaches are mutually exclusive.
As far as
the unintended effects of the use of technology in the classroom are concerned,
there are a few. I think the main issue has to do with raising the
entertainment bar to obtain student engagement. There is also the issue of the
students’ constant quest for immediate gratification. Even though the screen
has become the medium by which most students learn and are comfortable, they
still need to learn and sometimes getting there isn’t fun. I don’t believe
teachers should be in the business of trying to develop lessons to entertain
the students or fear losing them out of boredom. Another concern, which I think
is tied into the immediate gratification issue, is that many students don’t
have the interest or attention span to read textbooks, or any books, for that
matter. The Internet is a very enticing and powerful tool that student use to
do homework and research. This can lead to faulty and fragmented learning. In
Tracing Technology’s Unintended effects, Matthew Lynch states, “I am just not sure yet which traditional
teaching elements deserve to be clung to and which ones are meant for the
curb.” I couldn’t agree more.
Sometimes, there are
barriers to the use of technology in the classroom. As discussed in class,
these may be teacher phobia or school phobia of technology. Teachers need to
make it a point to learn about new technologies and how new learning tools can
be utilized effectively in their classrooms. Maybe this means taking a class or
teaching oneself, but it’s a step that should be taken and not avoided. Next,
there is the issue of funding. Many district budgets don’t allow for the big
expense of hardware and software. However, I think if the district is committed
and can do some creative financing and take advantage of educational discounts
and free software, support and education, much can be accomplished.
As
a prospective Elementary School teacher, I could envision myself using many of
the tools that I was introduced to in this class. I like the fluidity and ease
of Blogger. I would use it in conjunction with Google Docs, as they go
hand-in-hand. I would use and create webinars to connect with other schools and
as a vehicle to teach the students about other cultures. I would use
story-developing software such as storyBook That! and storyBird or storify
because they are fun and easy to follow. In fact, I would consider any
application that would engage my students in the act of telling stories. For
learning Math skills, I like Khan Academy (we use this at home). I also like
the Scholastic program series, Studyjams. Of course, I think all of the web 2.0
multi-media tools such as Glogster, Edmoto, Voki, and Prezi are very helpful in
developing a wide range of skills.
Part
3
PLCs can include
educators who are connected through technology or the ones down the hall from
me who are working in my school. The beauty of technology is that today’s
connected teacher/learner can learn from anyone, anywhere, at any time. As a
connected learner with established resources, I can accomplish a host of
things, from getting ideas on how to implement technology in my classroom to
receiving feedback on my own ideas and practices. Likewise, I can offer ideas
and suggestions to others who are looking for some help. Through Webinars, I
can take courses that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able take or afford. Through blogs and YouTube videos, I can
learn new skills pertaining to my area of education. In Part 1 of this
reflection, I listed many of the Web 2.0 applications that I think would be
useful in helping me to stay connected to other members of my Professional
Learning Community. As of this
writing, I have added myself to a group of new teachers. I included a bunch of
sites in my diigo lists such as edutopia and freetechnology4teachers. Through an RSS feed, I am following
many other useful and inspirational sites. Now that I know there is wealth of
great (and free) resources, I will continue to incorporate them into my work as
a teacher and a student.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
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