EDUC 6711 Course Reflection

As this course draws to a near, I cannot help but look back and reflect upon the ideas, strategies, and theories I have learned about in terms of my classroom instruction and the types of technology I include.  I have noticed some changes in my own instruction and the way I present my lessons.  Some tools I have been introduced to through this course or have weighed heavily on implementing will now have a more significant impact on my students’ learning as the future goals of my instructional practices will greatly change.
            First of all, my personal theory of learning at the beginning of this course stated that I viewed learning on large part as social interaction where students worked together to solve or construct their own understanding.  Mostly, I still believe these are two main, central components that need to remain in my teaching practice.  However, I also am more aware of the significance other theories can play in learning.  Just having this awareness of what each theory consists of has helped me realize that I do utilize them more in my classroom than I previously thought.  Dr. Michael Orey (2001) has given great examples of how technology can help impact all theories of learning and instruction.  Previously, I have tried to include as much technology with my instruction as possible, but I never really understood how it would help my instruction or to help my students learn. 

Secondly, there are some adjustments to the way I integrate technology into my classroom that I am starting to make.  For one, before I implement any form of technology, my first question to myself is about how this will enhance my instruction or my students’ learning.  Previously, I would include something merely for the fact that it was new and exciting.  One tool I have now been weighing the pros and cons of is the inclusion of iPads in the classroom.   I wasn’t sure whether I could implement them effectively, but now I know what to look for in quality applications and the types of instruction they have to offer.  Rather than teaching a curriculum that has been traditionally done for the past 30 years, the inclusion of iPads will enable the curriculum to be brought to the digital learner and will better engage my students in what they are learning.  A second tool I will be implementing is the use of VoiceThread in my classroom.  This is a program that is fairly simple for first graders to implement as well as comment on each other’s work or collaborate on a project together.  Using a program that enables younger children to collaborate can be difficult to find, but this program enables this to happen easily and successfully.  These are just two examples of the tools I am now more aware of using in my classroom and the impact they can have on my students’ learning. 

            One long-term goal I am going to work on is to implement at least one collaborative group project that incorporates technology in one form or another each quarter.  By doing so, my students will be learning how to use the technology appropriately for educational purposes as well as meeting some standards we need to cover.  This goal can easily be achieved by taking a look at my curriculum and deciding on a main standard that we focus on during each quarter and designing a lesson or unit that utilizes technology for students to learn the lesson.  To make sure I achieve this goal, I will can align a checkpoint to start working on the project so that it is completed before the quarter ends and report cards are worked on.  I have used these checkpoints in the past to make sure I accomplish certain assessments and have found these to be effective reminders and helps me focus on what needs to be covered.

A second long-term goal does not necessarily focus on my instructional practices as much as the practices in my district.  I am in charge of training all teachers in the use of the Promethean boards in the school.  This is something I have struggled with for a period of time, particularly on changing the way teachers use the boards.  I now feel like I have a better understanding of how to train my fellow staff members.  By showing the teachers the impact technology can have on the lesson and how students process, they will have a better understanding of how to use this technology tool more effectively.  Hopefully they will realize it should be a learning tool and not simply used as an instructional tool like so many use it for.  To achieve this goal, I have started working with my superintendent to set up biweekly training sessions to train the staff on particular aspects of the boards with a different focus each week. 

In conclusion, I have come to realize that, while some of my main teaching practices remain the same, I have a better understanding of why they are educationally effective.  I have developed a broader base of technology tools that will enable my students to be more successful in working with technology that is designed for their age level.  By establishing some goals and strategies to work towards their achievement, I am ensuring that my students are receiving lessons that ensure they are successful and are more meaningful to them.

References
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page