EDTECH 541 has been a very important learning experience for me. One of the most valuable things I will come away with is a better knowledge of online tools for classroom integration. In particular, our week on social networking showed me new ways to use current social media in an educational context in a way that can interest students and motivate them. I look forward to using some of the tools such as Ning or Edmodo to create safe and interactive digital classroom environments.
I have grown professionally by being exposed to integration strategies across the curriculum. I am a better-rounded educator in having a basic understanding of educational technology in different disciplines. I would like to be able to provide guidance and ideas to colleagues who are looking for strategies in their own content areas, and having taken this class I am much better equipped to do so. One of the ways in which my thinking about teaching has changed is that I understand better the rationale for integrating technology – using relative advantage and the rule of thumb stating that technology only should be used when it offers a way to more effectively meet the objective criteria.
Learning about the TPACK model has given me new tools for reflection, and knowing my strengths and weaknesses with regard to tech integration will help me be more effective in planning and implementing strategies. In the TPACK model I am usually strongest in content knowledge followed by technological knowledge. My pedagogical knowledge is usually my weakest area, but combining what I have learned about learning theory and the benefits of tech integration with my existing knowledge, I will more successful in designing effective lessons and learning experiences.
In all, I gained many valuable tools in my tool belt and I look forward to the opportunities I will have to use them in the classroom. I know that as I continue to learn about and apply new tech integration strategies it will make me a better teacher and will benefit the students in the long run.
Thank you, Dr. Gerstein and classmates who made this a successful semester.
I have grown professionally by being exposed to integration strategies across the curriculum. I am a better-rounded educator in having a basic understanding of educational technology in different disciplines. I would like to be able to provide guidance and ideas to colleagues who are looking for strategies in their own content areas, and having taken this class I am much better equipped to do so. One of the ways in which my thinking about teaching has changed is that I understand better the rationale for integrating technology – using relative advantage and the rule of thumb stating that technology only should be used when it offers a way to more effectively meet the objective criteria.
Learning about the TPACK model has given me new tools for reflection, and knowing my strengths and weaknesses with regard to tech integration will help me be more effective in planning and implementing strategies. In the TPACK model I am usually strongest in content knowledge followed by technological knowledge. My pedagogical knowledge is usually my weakest area, but combining what I have learned about learning theory and the benefits of tech integration with my existing knowledge, I will more successful in designing effective lessons and learning experiences.
In all, I gained many valuable tools in my tool belt and I look forward to the opportunities I will have to use them in the classroom. I know that as I continue to learn about and apply new tech integration strategies it will make me a better teacher and will benefit the students in the long run.
Thank you, Dr. Gerstein and classmates who made this a successful semester.