FINAL ASSESSMENT: REFLECTION EDLD 5364

RESPONSE 1:
The outcomes I envisioned for this course did not meet my personal expectations or the realities of the classroom. I had envisioned using and utilizing web 2.0 technology tools to create a fascinating and mesmerizing experience in and out of the classroom. The topics of interest I had in mind before the course were internet standards, educational video games, internet impact on student achievement, and school infrastructure. In particular I wanted to learn more about computer hardware,software, Twitter, Facebook, IM, Yahoo, Google, IPods, Windows, Mac, cell phones, digital cameras, and internet searches….and how they can be used in the classroom. True, the required books and videos touched on these subjects, but on a generic level with very little directions on how to get started. In order to know more, the website addresses were given to learn more information. I envisioned learning new practical skills using web 2.0 tools to help my students in my classroom immediately. Unfortunately, I learned that the task of integrating technology in the classroom, school, and district is a daunting task. The stakeholders, like me, will have to help make the necessary changes.

RESPONSE 2:
The positive benefits from the web 2.0 tools have made me an efficient, productive teacher. The new skills I have learned are relevant and transferrable to new lessons. I have a firm grasp on the practice of cooperative learning and technology, and the benefits they produce on the students. The technology activities I had a chance to practice on were specific enough to help one get started, but flexible to adapt to unique circumstances. The stating of objectives cannot be understated, for it forms the foundation of the lesson or activity. The objectives are to relate to the content of the state’s student expectations (SEs). The technology activities provide an alternative approach to learning new material in a new, up-to-date format. In conjunction with cooperative learning, the technology activities give students an opportunity to play group roles, and to serve as a support mechanism to the rest of the group. Our school curriculum mandates cooperative learning, so the technology activities (web 2.0 tools) will go a long way in addressing student learning.

RESPONSE 3:
One outcome I did not achieve was learning how to take advantage of IM (instant messaging). The students of today enjoy using IM on their cell phones, handhelds, and computers, for it provides immediate feedback. The immediate feedback from instant messaging is crucial to an activity or project. It would be great if teachers could provide real time, real world feedback using IM. In a cooperative learning project, IM would be instrumental in explaining the task by making sure students understand the activity. When using IM, the learning objectives could be restated and group roles identified. In addition, since IM is real time, the group objective or goals could change and thus the need for the new criteria/rubric must be communicated. In the classroom, cooperative learning needs to be monitored for behavior in order to have a structured environment conducive to good learning practices. The use of IM would help in the main aspects of cooperative learning, mainly interdependence and individual responsibility.

RESPONSE 4:
The group project was overwhelming in many respects. The time allotted for the formulation of the learning activities, plan, scenario, team reflection, and technology products was not enough. The group project was technology based, meaning that it had to have components meeting the needs of the diverse learners using web 2.0 tools. In a differentiated setting, the stating of objectives, the forming of groups, the constant monitoring, and summative assessment are arduous components when it comes to lesson alignment. The technology activities need answer keys, blackline masters, enrichment, and remedial components to accompany the assigned activities/lessons. The activities need to be checked for accuracy, reasonableness, and subject context. It is no surprise that lack of time was the main reason for not completing the project in a timely manner. The creation of timely, effective lessons requires time and resources aligned with school curriculum. In a school, the time factor needs to be taken into account as the curriculum, and scope and sequence are prepped for the next school year.

RESPONSE 5:
I learned the importance of lesson flexibility and thinking outside the box when it comes to technology web 2.0 tools. I learned that technology is an emerging field that is ever-changing and powerful when it comes to communicating within the school and out in the community. I learned that technology is an all-encompassing field. One will find bloggers, web editors, multimedia producers, and graphic designers all playing a vital role in the education field. One needs flexibility to adjust, change, and help steer education in the right direction. I have learned that technology in the classroom can inspire, empower, and create enthusiastic future learners and producers. The digital natives of today have their interest, and they need the guidance of a competent, tech savvy teacher to help them achieve their potential. My goal is to become a technology leader/teacher to help bring about meaningful, productive change. My mission, through technology, is to bring about a common endeavor of success for all students.