Introduction to Technology in Schools
Course Description:
Study of theories and practices associated with educational technology. Explores basic instructional design processes and strategies for integrating technology into teaching and learning. Provides an overview of the Ed Tech field and a survey of emerging trends. Grade: A |
Reflection
Time has certainly flown by since June 4, 2012 when I first began this course. We covered so much material in such a short period of time. From our first discussion of what comes to mind when hearing the words "Educational Technology" to the submission of our final Technology Integrated Lesson Plan, TILP, I can certainly say my thoughts have changed to some degree when it comes to hearing the words Educational Technology. When I hear the words Educational Technology, I still think about innovative ways to support education rather than traditional methods of education. I envision learners who are using divergent thinking rather than regurgitation of facts and information. I see learners who can use 21st century tools as well as traditional tools to gather information based on interest or for a guided inquiry based learning activity. I still feel that Educational Technology is collaborating and sharing ideas, while learning from each other. At first mention, I thought of this as something occurring in a classroom with children. My perspective has broadened a bit to where I see the importance of Educational Technology as means of collaborating, sharing, and learning globally for both children and adults. It is not just a method of preparing students, but a method of preparing ourselves as Educational Technology leaders using innovative ways of teaching, managing, and supporting learning. My plans are to stay active in Educational Technology throughout my teaching career and beyond. Technology is coming into our classrooms faster than we can learn to use all the technologies available. Staying on top of the newest technologies requires working with others, learning from each other about what is available. My future plans include participating in workshops at both the state and local levels, as well as completing the Masters Degree with a focus in Educational Technology. Our county and state both provide online courses that teach some of the newest technologies. I plan to monitor what is available and seek professional development through these resources as I continue my role in the classroom and beyond. I really enjoyed being able to collaborate and communicate with colleagues across the country, from Georgia to Missouri! I enjoyed reviewing the work of my peers as it helped me reflect on my own work and improve my work as I learned from their examples. I liked working in "Learning Teams" because I think that built a sense of community, as well as a means of feeling supported through distant learning. I look forward to continuing my course work and working as a "team" in all capacities of my life, both professionally and personally. I look forward to building team projects for the classroom and watching students develop and grow as they learn about "team work". Artifacts: Teamwork Technology Integrated Lesson Plan, TILP |