Part One:
Throughout this semester, I have learned about the abundance of online resources available to both teachers and students. Each week when I was researching different types of technology to integrate into my content area, I found myself saying “I love this! [student name] would totally benefit from this resource.” With this new found knowledge of online resources, I also learned how to evaluate and critique a variety of resources. I found some resources where the content was what I needed, but it didn’t fit my target audience, the navigation was awkward, or it was confusing. Now on each resource, I go back to the SAMR model and ask, does this piece of technology or resource substitute or redefine my lesson?
During this course, I created artifacts that demonstrate my understanding of numerous AECT standards. I assessed and evaluated technological resources that could be used in order to best support my students’ needs in the area of United States History. I was able to use pedagogy of technology in the classroom to create and implement my own resources, specific to my classroom and content area. In addition, I provided a wide variety of articles, websites and books that I used to support theory and application of educational communications and technology. Finally, through my weekly blog, I demonstrated my ability to reflect on a variety of educational technology strategies and applications in both the general classroom environment and also my own specific teaching practice.
I have grown professionally in my ability to share, critique and develop resources both I and colleagues can use. In addition, my overall lesson planning improved by incorporating a variety of different sources that meet a diverse student population and by developing lessons that are cross curricular.
My thoughts on technology in the classroom have not changed. I still believe that technology is an integral part of the classroom. Technology allows students to become interested in a topic and then share thoughts and ideas in a unique way, access curriculum through assistive technology and practice concepts. Technology needs to be strategically implemented in the classroom in order to maximize learning. Technology can be like Thanksgiving dinner; too much food can leave you tired and sick, whereas food in moderation can leave you satisfied and delighted. My educational technology theory is constructivism and I incorporated the principles of this theory into my various projects.
Part Two:
Content – 70 points
Within my blog post each week, I provided concise, thoughtful, responses to each topic. In each response, I provided facts and ideas from weekly readings and resources. In addition, I made connections to my own teaching or real-life experiences.
Reading/Resources – 20 points
In my blog entries, I used both resources provided by the instructor and ones I found on my own to support my blog. In addition, I used APA format when citing my sources in-text and at the end of each blog.
Timeliness – 20 points
For all my blogs, I posted 4 days before the due date to allow other students ample amount of time to provide feedback and respond to my post.
Response to other students – 30 points
Each week, I responded to two fellow student’s blog entries. In those responses, I commented on ideas, asked questions, offered suggestions and made connections to my own teaching.