Personal Learning Reflection

What are some things that you have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology?

• While searching for a graduate school to call home, I found MSU’s all online format, and was hooked.  That’s what I needed.  In researching MAET I found out about something called TPACK.  Although I looked into it just briefly to be acquainted, I did not fully understand the implications of this model.  I learned so many things from TPACK about integrating technology into the classroom.  I thought I knew how to use technology before; I used computers and mobile devices, but never really scratched the surface of integration in education.  While many people can use technology and resources, integrating them requires personal understanding, pedagogy, and even a little finesse.  I am coming to understand that in order to be successful with technology in the classroom, I had to lay some groundwork with students, and even myself.  I need to know what I am teaching, what great technology or web 2.0 applications will work best, and I also need to know how to use them to be able to share my with students.   

How did integrating the Internet help you think about and evaluate uses of technology?

• Using the Internet to find valuable resources has been amazing (and a bit overwhelming)!  I had no idea that so many free resources were available to use.  By using the Internet, I found how easy it is to research topics, ideas and find web 2.0 technologies to use in my classroom.  I also found that by having to create a PLN I could also have contacts with a wealth of knowledge beyond what I might know.  By using all these resources via the Internet I am able to incorporate technology with lessons and use them as a tool to enhance what is being taught.  I can use the technology to allow students to learn responsibility for their digital lives as well as watching out for peers.  By allowing students to use technology, starting at a young age, they are able to foster creativity and build valuable skills for future use. 

   

Which of the assignments that you turned in do you feel really exemplifies good teaching with technology and why?

• Although it took me some time to think and find my words, I really liked the Personal Technology Plan.  By having to think about what I learned, how to use it, and setting goals, I can see what I’ve accomplished and what more I want to learn and attain.  By putting into writing what I feel is important for the future of technology in education, I have a mission for what I want to learn.  Doing research for this assignment lead me to even more wonderful resources.  I had to think about ways I wanted to fix education, and not just complain about what’s broken.  Finding solutions to areas of weakness personally and professionally spurred excitement for getting back into education. 

How have you met your goals established in your Personal Growth Plan?

• I aimed to learn about just a few free web 2.0 resources, and I have come away with an abundance.  While I learned how to use several programs, I found websites listing hundred of resources that I have saved in my social bookmarking site.  (Social bookmarking was new to me as well, but I love it!  I have saved many links during this class for future use.  I’m not sure how I did it before without a safe place to store websites.)  Finding these free resources was something I needed to get a kick-start into integrating technology.  Even if my school does not have the latest hardware, I still have great resources to draw from.

Do you have any new goals? What are your plans for reaching your new goals and your long-term goals after this course is over?

• I plan to continue to take classes towards my MAET degree and would like to graduate within the six-year time limit.  Since I am not currently teaching, I do not want to go “full speed ahead” so as to not limit myself on getting a job before my degree is finished.
• I also plan to take time to learn more about free resources and spend time using these technologies.

    Thank you for a wonderful class!