515 Final Reflections

I am truly excited about the tools we've explored. The possibilities are endless! I have been especially challenged to expose my first graders in a way that 'technology natives' deserve. The Technology Learning Plan helped me to evaluate and set attainable goals to meet the needs of my students. My approach to the use of technology with my students has forever changed. I have a better understanding of the true integration of technology with my teaching. The text had helpful information by providing a systematic approach to technology in the classroom, especially for teachers who feel stuck with a desire and without the know-how. I found great reminders of values and useful strategies that I can apply and share with my colleagues.

Technology is not as scary when you take it out of isolation and use it with purpose. Throughout our class, this realization has been the most profound for me.

Session Five

What we are studying this week, and throughout this class, deeply affects how I am teaching. One of the most beneficial parts of the reading for me was the discussion of about 'technology natives' verses 'technology immigrants'. I had heard the terms before, but never considered myself as an immigrant. I, also, had never considered how that explains why it is, somewhat, a foreign concept for many in my generation to integrate technology into our teaching. Our own schooling experiences were mainly trips to the computer lab and word processing. As common as it is for us to use technology ourselves, it is not natural for us to include it in our lessons. This understanding has given me much to reflect on.

The reading, also, enlightened me to the necessity for proper professional development. My experience has been very limited to how to use certain technologies. It has not included how to effectively integrate it into my teaching.

I'm glad we got a chance to review different evaluation tools for software. I have been spoiled by a district wide technology department who handle everything for us from the technicians to the staff designated to search and implement software and hardware as they deem necessary. This has been a blessing and a curse. The evaluation tools we reviewed impressed upon me the considerations one should have when choosing suitable software for students. I now look at what my district has chosen through new lenses. It is important not to be blind to what I am exposing my students to.

Session Four

I had a difficult time viewing the videos on this site. However, I was impressed with the quality of lessons I reviewed. They were well thought out and included valuable resource links. More sites like this should be made well known to teachers, as technology isn't going anywhere. It provides useful ideas to encourage teachers to make a better effort to integrate technology into their lessons.

I would definitely be interested in using the information provided to supplement what I teach my students. Although, I fight time constraints linked to curriculum mandates, I have learned to work my schedule creatively enough to include time for necessary supplemental experiences for my students. I can search this site easily for lessons that will enhance through the use of technology. The lessons I found, also, helped me to brainstorm lessons that would directly enhance what I am teaching my classroom. However, the videos are an important feature of this site, and as of right now, I have not been successful in viewing them. After reading my classmates' blogs, I believe that I would greatly benefit from the video collection provided.

Session 3 Reflection

I had so much fun with the spreadsheets this session! I had only recently begun to use them for more than a budget calculator, through documents created by someone else, to manage data for our after-school program. Now, I feel comfortable enough to work confidently within those workbooks without worrying about screwing up the format.

The reading this session helped to bring some concepts home with my personal teaching philosophy, specifically the chapter on creativity. My school experience growing up was in creative arts schools. Looking back, I realize how my success as a lifelong learner stemmed not only from my home influence, but was allowed to flourish and develop in a creativity driven environment. I was encouraged to live and breathe exploration and individuality through a variety of regular opportunities for self expression and collaboration. Applying this same environment in my classroom will motivate my students to grow to new levels. Integrating technology is just another way to appeal to everyone while preparing them to successfully contribute to society in the future. This chapter helped to provide a framework for me do grasp and hone in on the power of creativity to make me a better teacher and all of us better learners.