How have you grown as a professional in the last few weeks?
I have a better understanding of interactive computer technology and how I can use it in my classroom. I have become more fluent with the latest online technologies (Jing, Screencast, Slideshare, etc.) and how I can use them in my professional setting. I am much more confident with FTP files, and how to edit and publish new materials to the web. I have enjoyed collaborating, sharing new materials, and finding new materials online (MACUL space, MERLOT, Google Drive). I have learned how to prepare lesson plans so that they are better suited for today's learners (Universal Design, Instructional Design).
How have you met your own personal goals for learning about technology integration? How have you made progress towards your goal?
My goal at beginning of this course was to become more fluent with the web 2.0, post regularly to my blog, and follow RSS feeds. I definitely feel more fluent with web 2.0 and how I can use it in an educational setting. I do post more regularly to my blog, but it is often associated with a class assignment. I have not followed my RSS feeds, but I have added some new feeds. In another class, CEP 812, I have learned how to have my own feed through Feedburner.
What are your goals for after this course? What are your plans for reaching those goals?
I still have "writer's block" when given a blank template without an assigned topic. My goal for after this course is to continue to pursue technology and write about my journey on my blog. I plan to follow MACUL space and learn about new ways teachers are using technology in the classroom. I also plan to contribute more French materials to MERLOT because I saw that there really wasn't much offered for my subject area.
What are some things that you have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology?
I have learned effective teaching strategies and principles by learning about Instructional Design, Universal Design for Learning, and Assistive Technologies.
Instructional Design principles are:
1. Identify a problem or need
2. Fit the objectives in to a real-world activity
3. Determine an instructional objective based on the final outcome/activity/test
4. Have a set of essential content
5. Evaluate often by test or observation
6. Design the method/lesson to deliver the content
When the three principles listed below overlap, Universal Design for learning happens:
1. Representation (Teacher provides various representations of the content)
2. Action and Expression (Teacher gives students multiple ways to express themselves and be active with the content)
3. Engagement (Teacher gives students choices to fuel student engagements. Teacher encourages students to take risks and learn from mistakes)
Assistive Technologies ensure universal access to the content or material to be covered. AT help more than the students that they were initially designed for.
How did integrating web-based technologies help you think about and evaluate uses of technology?
By using web-based technologies for educational needs, I was able to see how important the role of the web 2.0 and how it impacts my classroom. I now know various web-based technologies that I can use in my classroom to support and foster student learning.
Do you have any long-term goals? What are your plans for reaching your long-term goals?
My long term goal is to re-enter the teaching profession and teach secondary French. I plan to teach to the TPACK model and continue to collaborate with educators both within my district and online.
And as a side note...
My journey through Educational Technology hasn't been all roses. I also had to have my first eye exam yesterday. It turns out that all the time that I've spent on the computer has worn out my eyes. I now have to wear reading glasses when I work on the computer. If you are reading this, I would consider using a pair of reading glasses when you work to lessen the work your eyes do when you are learning online. I wear a +1.0 and it's helping.
