Seminar in Information Science and Learning Technology
Course Description:
Discussion and critical study of current developments in information science and learning technologies. (eMINTS Training) Grade: A |
Reflection:
My eMINTS training is where my journey began when working toward a Master's in Information Science and Learning with an emphasis in Educational Technology. I committed myself to 232 hours of professional development by local certified eMINTS trainers Jeremy King and Margaret Blake. I also took three online courses, 9410 Seminar in Information Science and Learning Technology, through the University of Missouri that kept me reflecting on the 232 hours of professional development classes taken within my school district. The eMINTS training along with the online courses would be placed at the top of my list as some of the best professional development that I received during my career as a teacher. This training truly transformed my classroom practices. During this training, I learned the value of team building and creating a community within the classroom. For me, this was one of the most valuable components to my training because "belonging" is such an important human need. My students love team building activites, which are always sure to bring smiles to their faces! After team building activities, my students are ready to focus on the curriculum. While the curriculum may not have changed a great deal, the way in which curriculum goals and standards are met involve more inquiry based learning techniques that include technology as a tool to help meet those goals. During this training, I learned to place a focus on questioning strategies. Instead of responding with an answer to student questions, I now try to repond with questions that will guide the student to think a little deeper or reflect on their own questions. The way I assess student learning has been evolving and I now use rubrics as another means of assessment, like the evaluation you can find in a webquest I created called Polygon Transformers. The training I received taught me how to use technology as a means to open up a whole new world for my students where they can create, communicate, and collaborate. Some student examples can be found on my teacher homepage, which I began building during the time of working on my |