This course has helped me to see how to integrate technology into my classroom in a way that allows students to be actively involved. I also now understand how various types of technology align with learning theories. Simply using technology to present information is not engaging or effective. Instead, students should be using technology to construct ideas, interact with others, and create things. I am now seeing technology use in a new way and hope to make changes in the classroom to better meet the needs of my students.
I stated in week one of this course that I believe students learn best by experiencing or being able to relate to the content. I still believe this is true; however, I would rephrase this to read I believe students learn best when they are actively involved in their learning and by experiencing and being able to relate to the content. This course has helped me become more clear on what my role in the classroom should be. Rather than constantly presenting students with information, I should be there to help students find the information. Students should be the center of the classroom, rather than the teacher. While this idea is not new to me, this course helped me to see what changes I need to make to ensure that this occurs more regularly.
I use technology frequently in the classroom. This course helped me to realize that, more often than not, I use it as an instructional tool rather than as a learning tool. I can also see the value in planning lessons and incorporating technology so it is used as a learning tool. I have started to think seriously about how I can rework lessons so that technology is used in this way. I am confident that students will be more engaged and will learn more by doing this. While I hope to eventually use all of the technology tools in my classroom, I plan to use concept mapping, virtual field trips, and VoiceThread right away.
Ideally, my students would use technology on a daily basis to explore, interact, and create. Because there are a limited number of computers at my school, this is not realistic at the moment. One long-term goal I have is to incorporate technology as a learning tool at least two times in each unit we cover. In some cases, this will involve reworking current lessons. In other cases, this will mean starting from scratch. I will start doing this one unit at a time and will make this change over a couple of semesters if necessary.
Another goal I have is to use Moodle to encourage student interaction. I plan to have students analyze photographs, videos, and articles and discuss them with their peers. I have many of these things already, so this would not be difficult. Many of my students already use Moodle in other classes, so I would just need to show some of the students how to use it. In fact, I would probably have students familiar with it work with those who have not used it. This would further encourage online interaction and make them more comfortable with one another. I would also have to make sure that students have Acceptable Use Policies signed and follow-up with those who do not. This may take some time, but there are very few of these students.
Overall, this course has really helped me to think critically about changes I need to make in my classroom. I would really like to have students using technology on a regular basis and realize that this may take a little more effort on my part. While I will have some challenges because of limited resources, if I plan ahead, it should not be as difficult. I have realized that, in the end, it will be worth it because my students will learn a great deal more than they are now.
