Reflecting on Integrating Technology

· What are some things that you have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology?

I have learned from this and other courses that technology has to be used with a purpose, and in conjunction with pedagogy and content, in order to be truly effective. Sometimes technology is used “just because,” often resulting in change without difference. For example, students could use a complicated mind-mapping program to create a food web, when it would really be just as effective to have them sketch it on paper, and would take less time and doesn’t require computer lab time!

· How did integrating web-based technologies help you think about and evaluate uses of technology?

The two most useful things I learned in this class were how to create WebQuests, and the possibilities that exist within Zoho, the cloud-computing program.

I had previously thought about the web as a resource for students to use to research a topic, but now I see that through a WebQuest format, I can direct them to preferred resources. I could even create a page for each student, and base their quest and internet resources on their areas of strengths, while taking into account the areas where they need more support.

I found Zoho Notebook to be very useful, as I often use my computer to take notes in class, then want to share them with group members, colleagues, etc, and Zoho makes this easier than emailing a file to someone. I can “share” the file with a group of people, then they can easily edit it if they want to combine their notes, etc.



· How have you met your own personal goals for learning about technology integration?

I have learned how to make a PowerPoint in Kiosk mode, which I plan to use for weekly spelling practice for my students. I had previously struggled with how to format my spelling PowerPoints so students couldn’t just click through all the slides without reading them!

I have learned how to create a WebQuest, as well as what is required for a successful WebQuest.

I have learned how to use the Zoho suite of programs, which opens up more sharing options than just Google Docs.

It has also continued to be reinforced that technology must be used in conjunction with pedagogy and content in order to prevent change without difference.

· Do you have any new goals? What are your plans for reaching your new goals and your long-term goals after this course is over?

My goal continues to be to actually implement more technology into my classroom. I know how to use many of the programs, but I have yet to find a way to have my students consistently using technology in my classroom.

In order to reach these goals, I plan to discuss with my mentor teacher as well as my colleagues ways in which they are successfully integrating technology into their classrooms. I am also continuing to take technology courses offered through my school district, as well as of course continuing my MAET classes. I will also be attending the Michigan Association of Computer Users Learning (MACUL) state conference for the third year in March, which offers many sessions about technology use and implementation.

Learning in Internet-Based Environments

I could easily use an Educational Blog with my students. I could use this to have them give written answers and explanations to math problems. I could have them do reading responses to the novels we are reading in class. This would help them write and edit their thoughts, as typing is easier for them to edit than handwriting. They would also be able to see and respond to each others' comments.

I could post the main question, perhaps one per week, and they would be expected to answer in the comment section by the end of the week. They could do this during library time, after their work is done in my class, or at home if they have computer access.

It would be harder to use Moodle with my students, as many of them do not have online access at home. They also need support in navigating websites if there is more than one page they need to use. They would need support in using and making sense of an online calendar, and all assignments would still need to be visually shown to them, not just written online.

* What content could this help you teach?
* What type of pedagogical strategies might you use with your students?
* What technologies do you think would be harder to use with your students? Why?