Final Reflection - EDUC 6711

So often initiatives come to teachers and we are thrown into utilizing tools, technologies, and processes that we do not understand.  We are often told to use more technology in the classroom, but very rarely do we have time to learn the technology fully in order to properly integrate its use in our classrooms.  This course has not only introduced us to some wonderful technologies, but it has also provided us with the understanding of when and how it is appropriate to use it.  By tying technologies to learning theories and strategies, we can become more adept at properly using technology with our students.

At the beginning of the course, we were asked to develop our own personal learning theory.  At the time, my theory leaned more toward constructivism.  Throughout the past eight weeks, I have learned that each theory has a time and a place for use; however for the deepest and most meaningful learning of concepts and content constructivism still appears to be the "most applicable" learning theory.  I have not changed my opinion regarding constructivism, but I have grown to embrace the other theories for certain lessons.

The biggest adjustment I am going to make to my instructional practice will be to utilize more technology in well thought-out ways in my lessons.  I will not simply use technology because my district mandates it.  I will carefully consider what technology will best help my students learn and understand the material presented to them.  I will also consider ways that my students can utilize that technology outside of the classroom, so they can see that it applies not only to math class, but to their lives outside of school.  I will definitely use more concept mapping software in my classes to help my students make connections among the concepts.  I will also utilize Voicethread to present opportunities for my students to discuss problem solving strategies.  Hopefully these things will help to keep students engaged and interested in the lessons!

One long-term goal change I want to make to my instructional practice regarding technology integration is to move away from technology as instructional tool to technology as learning tool.  Dr. Orey mentions that when the technology is in the students' hands they tend to learn more than they would if the tool were in my hands and they watched me use it (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  Unfortunately, some of the technology we learned about is unavailable to my students within my school.  I hope to learn how to write grants in order to procure funding to make more of the technology available to them.  It would be nice to be able to put the technology into their hands on a regular basis so they can learn and understand rather than watch me demonstrate how it would work if they had it to use themselves.  I also plan on keeping up-to-date on technologies by reading other math teachers' blogs regarding how they are using the technology for students. 

Another long-term goal would be to set up and utilize a class blog for each of my classes.  This is an incredible tool that I feel my students would find useful and relevant.  Being able to open up discussions to which students would feel more comfortable contributing via online discussion rather than in-class where shy students will not talk, or students will not speak for fear of appearing to be a "geek."  In order to accomplish this goal, I will need to be more comfortable with blogging - which this class helped me take a step in that direction... 

I have learned so much over the course of the last seven weeks.  Tying learning theory and teaching strategies to the various technologies we discussed and learned to use not only made it easier to understand how to use the technology, but made it more relevant to classes.  There are so many different technology tools available for us to use - we just need to make sure we understand how they can be relevant to classroom use and be flexible and willing to learn.  This has been a great class - I cannot wait to apply what I have learned.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. [Webcast]. Baltimore: Author

A Question...

...For all of my high school teacher followers:

Does your school have a student council, and what is their role in the school?

My school currently does not have a student council, and I have a group of students who would like to start one.  I do not have a lot of experience with a student council, and would love any input you can give me.  I will be researching this as much as I can over the weekend so I can discuss it with my principal on Monday morning.

Thanks for your input!