Module+8+Reflection

 Summarize your learning for this term. How will you use the knowledge you have constructed to improve your use of technology for learning in your class and for your own personal and professional development?
 * Reflection Prompt**


 * Description**

During Module 8, I read the online articles, blogs, and job descriptions in Springboard about what it means to be a technology facilitator and posted my goals for this degree on the discussion page.

During the entire semester, I wrote a personal philosophy for instructional technology; completed a working draft of my e-Portfolio plan; completed a case study concerning the social, ethical, and legal issues that arise when technology is integrated into teaching and learning; participated with classmates in several online discussions; and read numerous online and print materials about technology.


 * Impact**

One of the Module 8 articles that I read was about peer coaching. Peer coaching involves observing classrooms, collaboration between colleagues, resolving instructional problems, reflection, and putting ideas from professional development into classroom practice. Peer coaching can have a positive effect on teachers’ self-concept, motivation, and commitment. I learned that technology mentors are strong role models, listen to others, critiques others in a positive way, and has enthusiasm for teaching.

In one of the blogs, I read technology facilitators not only understand the instructional purpose, but see new ways to use technology to give students new learning experiences. Technology facilitators create ways for students to share these experiences with others and feel proud of their work. Another blog gave the following tips for technology facilitators: build trusting relationships, start with simple projects that have a high chance of success, celebrate and praise positive experiences that teachers and students have, and be visible by spending time with teachers and students.

The most eye-opening thing I read was the grant writing proposal. I was surprised to see how detailed it was. The proposal included state laws and national education initiatives to indicate why the grant was needed, a detailed project timeline, budget information that specified how the grant would be used, the readiness of the school to implement the grant, and how the school would report the final results. I just have never read a technology grant before, so it was an interesting experience.

During the entire semester, I learned about the foundations of what it means to successfully integrate technology into teaching and learning and how to be an online student. In Module One, I learned about the ISTE national technology standards and the NETS standards for students and teachers. In Module Two, I learned about the TPACK model and that integrating technology is a complex problem that has no perfect solution. In Module Three, I learned about digital divides and how teachers have to think about social, ethical, and legal issues when making decisions about technology. In Module 4, I learned about 21st century teaching and learning and how schools need to emphasize project-based learning that emphasizes creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. In Module 5, I learned that technology can be used to assess and evaluate students and that technology can be used to help teachers complete tasks more efficiently. Classroom assessment should be an active process where students use data to set their own learning goals. In Module 6, I completed my e-Portfolio plan using information from Dr. Tsai’s Elluminate class meeting and by contacting teachers at other schools to get ideas for field experiences. In Module 7, I learned that successful online students should have intrinsic motivation and self-discipline. Also, successful online learning experiences should be flexible, well-organized, and give students the chance to collaborate with others and make real-world connections. Overall, I realize that there are a lot of factors and decisions that have to be made when making the decision to integrate technology, but that when those factors are carefully evaluated and those decisions are made with accurate information, technology can be such a powerful learning tool for students and can help teachers improve their instruction to help students reach their full potential.


 * Intent**

Using the knowledge I have gained from the course, I hope to be technology “coach” for both teachers and students. Even though I am not currently teaching, I can help teachers that are working in the K-12 classroom find meaningful ways to integrate technology that meets learning and teaching needs. While I was writing my e-Portfolio plan, I contacted several teachers who I know from my work as a substitute to get ideas for field experiences. When these teachers replied back, most said that they don’t have the time to dedicate to learning about technology, so I hope to have the time to visit their classes, listen to their concerns and instructional needs, and plan quality and effective technology learning experiences for their students. I want to “stand up and cheer” and give students and teachers a “high five” for a job well done!

I also want to “coach” my fellow teachers at the Sylvan Learning Center where I work. I want to give them useful tips for using our iPad math and reading application, as well as provide a formal training where I teach them about TPACK and explain how technology does not replace the value of caring teachers and using best practices. I also want to work with our center director and teaching staff to create a vision statement for our center regarding technology, both for teachers and for students. I want to take an informal leadership role by encouraging our center director to purchase iPad covers to address safety issues. I want to be a source of continued support and ideas for my Sylvan colleagues.

In my personal and professional development, I need to continue to learn more about technology tools that can help both students and teachers. Since I am not teaching in a classroom, I need to be proactive in my approach to looking for workshops (either online or in-person). Next semester, I will be helping a professor at UA transition a face-to-face class to a fully online class using Springboard, so I know I’ll get real-world experience with developing online learning. We will work together to plan course content and develop instructional materials, as well as work through unexpected challenges that often come with using technology. I hope that this experience will be rewarding and valuable to my future goals.

Overall, this course has given me a greater appreciation for technology. I still have a lot to learn about integrating technology, but the knowledge from this course will help me make more informed decisions that will benefit both students and teachers. One of the blogs I read for Module 8 said that “technology doesn’t have the same tradition in schools” like other subjects like reading, writing, and spelling. I want to be a part of creating a new tradition where technology has an indisputable role in our schools, and I am excited to begin this journey.