Reflection on Integrating Technology - EDUC 6713

According to Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, "as you set goals, take action, monitor your learning, and evaluate your progress, you take control of your own learning process" (2009, p. 7). This method has allowed me to think of teaching and learning in a new way.  Though I didn't have to change a whole lot about the way I teach, it made me feel empowered as a learner in this course. I am naturally a self-directed learner I appreciated the GAME plan structure.  It allowed me to set and reach goals.  I shared this method with my professional learning community at school and we plan to use this throughout the year both in the classroom and with our current efforts to support struggling students.

The GAME plan method worked well when planning my unit and lessons.  It forced me to think about the big picture, but also helped me to follow-through with my plans and monitor my progress.  The only major change I would make to my lessons would be to schedule more time so students can complete the assignments.

This course has provide me with a number of tools and ideas that I plan to integrate into my classroom.   I hadn't really thought about using adaptive technology to help students with disabilities.  I believe that software and other technology tools could be used to help students with disabilities, but could also really help the ELL students in my classes.  Social bookmarking was something I was unfamiliar with, but will be really useful when providing students with a starting point for research projects.  One thing I am excited to use in my classroom is digital storytelling.  As a Social Studies teacher, I can think of many ways to integrate this into my course.  This tool allows students to demonstrate what they have learned in an entirely new way.  I also plan to incorporate several projects that include both problem-based learning and online collaboration.  Overall, I feel I am walking away with a number of tools that will help my students increase their 21st century skills.

Resources:

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.