Teaching+with+Technology+Final+Assessment+Reflection

Teaching with technology is the name of the course, which to me meant that I would be able to use the computer programs that are available on the internet so that I can teach my students how to gain knowledge. I anticipated gaining a variety of resources in the similar lines of Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, blogs, podcasts, etc. To my surprise, I did reach the outcome that I perceived but beyond what I expected. I received awesome resources that I had never imagined existed. I enjoyed learning about the different ways to utilize the internet to teach students with varied capacities of learning. I learned how to create a website, an audio/visual book in book builder and a variety of lesson activities with UDL lesson builder. The scenario that was presented to us as a team was a perfect learning tool as we took off and created a learning plan that would cater to each student involved. Our team utilized the valuable information presented to us during each weeks reading, videos, and lectures. I have gained priceless knowledge that will help me reach my goal of teaching my students with multimedia technology tools so they will be able to live and succeed in the 21st century.

I believe that the outcomes that I received in this course are definitely relevant to the work that I do at my school simply because it involves educating the students at their highest level of understanding. Students at my school are capable of gaining knowledge with the many internet resources that I obtained in this course. I teach third grade bilingual students. Often they are at risk students, which mean that they struggle in obtaining the knowledge required to become successful in meeting the goals, and objectives of third grade. Therefore, I can incorporate these technology strategies into my planning. I will gain much academic success by exposing my students to Kidspiration, Book Builder, RubiStar, Survey Monkey, etc. These resources are a perfect fit to any student that is considered to be at risk because of language or even if they have a disability. Yet, another great reason to continue striving to reach the maximum support and guidance to create every student into lifelong learners. ​  As the weeks went by, I found myself amazed at the many wonderful tools available for the teacher to use in the classroom that I felt I did not have enough time to examine them closely. I have the greatest privilege of having the opportunity to learn how to utilize Kidspiration and Book Builder into my lessons but I feel I did not achieve a comprehensive understanding of the programs. I enjoyed creating a book with the many features of audio, visual, and animation even though I spent many hours exploring the steps involved. I believe that these programs require numerous practices with hands on experience to be able to use them with confidence that the knowledge gained will be of great value to every students involved. Despite the fact that each program has a tutorial, repeated practice will result in many benefits for the teacher, the students and the whole school.

As I look back at the assignments, and I can honestly say that yes, I successfully completed my assignments. Then again, I can say that it was not easy. The task involving working together with others was a challenge to start off, because we are all at different places. I found it very convenience to use Google site to collaborate. After all was well with getting everyone on the same page, then I faced a challenge of getting to work with the different technology tools such as UDL lesson planner, Book Builder, Kidspiration, and of course the web 2.0 tools like wiki, blogs, podcast and Google docs. All these programs are awesome and they perfectly provide students with high order thinking skills as well as much needed motivation for learning. All members of our team worked fairly and did equal amounts of work. We are all very impressed at the end product we created during the last five weeks. Each member’s expertise was joined together to create a complete group of highly motivated individuals that demonstrated success in creating the most adequate solution to the scenario   I have learned a lot of great new information in this course. I am very fortunate to have worked with three great team members. By working with them, I have found out that I work well collaboratively. I am able to carry out my responsibilities in completing certain parts of the assignment. I was able to complete my part successfully and before the due date and time. I have learned much about technology. The technology programs are amazing and I have become very resourceful as a teacher to be able to provide my students with excellent tools such as those found in the Cast UDL website, Rubistar, Kidspiration, and Survey Monkey. Despite all I have learned, I have also had some change in attitudes towards technology in the classroom. I believe that technology plays a vital role in the education of our students. My attitude towards the benefits of technology has been moved towards believing that it can be done. Technology can and will be used in the classroom. Lastly, I have changed my attitude towards using technology with much patience. Patience must be practiced when using technology as a tool to teach curriculum.