Module 8: Growth with Technology

 Hi Blog! Today, I want to discuss how I have grown regarding teaching with technology after taking this course. Now that I have become more accustomed to how I can teach using technological resources, I think I have a better view of what applications are appropriate to employ in the classroom. Before this class, I think I was more hesitant to use technology in my future classroom and preferred the use of paper and worksheets for my students to complete assignments. After taking this course, though, I know that if students are given more options that include technological applications and are given creative freedom, they will enjoy learning more and therefore hopefully take control over their learning. 

Example 1: What strategies have you found most effective in ensuring that students engage meaningfully with technology in the classroom while minimizing distractions?

Before taking this class, I wasn't quite sure how to navigate the distractedness that oftentimes occurs when students use technology. Now, after taking ISLT, I think that I can confidently say that only authorizing appropriate and reliable technological applications would be the first step in ensuring that students are engaging meaningfully. I would also say that classroom management is important to handle this issue. If students are getting off task or scores are not where they should be after bringing technology into the classroom, it'd be wise to either try a different application or limit the use of technology in the classroom.

Example 2: What technology devices/materials/apps do you avoid in your classroom? Is there a specific reason?

Before taking ISLT I found that I wasn’t really sure about what types of technology were okay to use in the classroom and what wasn’t. It’s oftentimes difficult to tell a student they can’t use one platform of technology when other platforms are frequently used. However, I would say that any technological site that is used for education and coincides with the lesson and makes the learning experience more meaningful is alright and beneficial to use in the classroom. I would say any form of social media that is not used to help teach students should be avoided. I also believe any personal technology, like students' smartphones, should not be allowed unless they have been instructed to do so or are taking a break. Moreover, websites or apps that are clearly unreliable and likely to spread false information would not be permitted in my classroom.


Example 3: How do you evaluate the effectiveness of a new educational technology tool before fully integrating it into your teaching, and what criteria do you use to determine its impact on student learning?

I had little knowledge of which technology tools were effective and how to determine their effectiveness before taking this course. After reviewing all of the modules and engaging in projects and discussion posts, I believe that, firstly, as a teacher, it’s important to review whether a website or application being used is a credible source. To do this, you can look over it yourself and see if the information being presented is correct or not. You can then evaluate if the tool meets the majority or all of the ISTE standards. I think the most important evaluation is to review if the tool will be engaging for students and if it will enable them to think creatively and exhibit deep and meaningful learning. 



 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Module 4 Blog Post: 3-2-1 Format

Hello Blog! Here are some ideas I learned, some resources I found important, and one thing I'd like to implement in my own classroom all from Module 4!  3- Technology should be used as an aid for a learner, not a distraction. The focus in the classroom should be on the student's learning outcomes rather than the type of technology being used.  There's a variety of ways to check for evidence of learning from students that go beyond tests or quizzes. This strategy is called assessment, and can range from checks for student understanding to course grades, and more. When planning activities in learning plans, it is reccomended to use the WHERETO plan. This plan stands for "Where Are we Headed?", "How will we hook and engage learners?", "How will we equip students for success with the neccesary skills, knowledge, and understanding?", "How express understanding and self evaluate?", "How will you tailor the learning experience to meet s...
Read more

Blog Post #2: Top 10

Hi Blog! Here's some ideas that I think are most important to note from the material over Module 2!  1.) While technological learning may be helpful and satisfactory, it's important to remember that true transformative learning requires students to use skills such as analysis, decision making, and knowledge building.  2.) The SAMR model can be represented as a swimming pool with substitution and augmentation in the shallow end, and modification and refinement in the deep end. To fully immerse students in learning, teachers need to create plans that facilitate transformative experiences.  3.) To add onto the SAMR model representation, "flotation devices" are a symbol for support systems, including leadership, coaches, professional development, and professional learning network.  4.) Technology alone isn't enough to empower learners into deeper and creative learning. The ISTE model encourages teachers to rethink traditional approaches and allow students more control...
Read more

Module 7: Interview Question

When it comes to AI, what are your stances on it? Would you teach your students how to use the tool responsibly? If so, how? If you choose to avoid it, why? This is a great question, and I think it can have a lot of different answers based on the teacher's personal questions. My stance on AI is that I think it can honestly be helpful for students in many ways. I would never want AI to replace students’ ideas or have my students use AI to plagiarize or use work that is not their own. However, I think AI can be a very helpful tool when it comes to asking for tips or certain ideas. Like with many courses, some teachers permit their students to use AI for the generation of ideas on certain assignments. Then students will take that idea and use it as a starting place to expand their thoughts and create their work. I am also a special education major and have ADHD and other learning disabilities myself. I think AI can be beneficial when there is confusion on certain assignments and more ...
Read more