Final Reflection of CEP811

What are some things that you have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology?
I have learned quite a few new terms, ticks and programs this semester.  have learned a lot of how to integrate technology and that I need to integrate varied technologies for students with different creative abilities.  I will need to teach my students how to use these technologies so that I can allow them their choice in creating assignments. In order to meet varied student needs, and addressing how students learn in many unique ways, allowing students to choose how to complete an online assignment (when applicable) provides students with ways to showcase their abilities in a manner best suited to them.

I also have to vary the ways in which I teach using technology.  At times lessons call for lecture and showing students via a video or PowerPoint presentation.  But I also have to give students to chance to play, explore and share what they have learned with peers.  This feedback from others is important to them.  They need guidance and teacher feedback as well, but often as an encouragement while they learn independently.

How did integrating web-based technologies help you think about and evaluate uses of technology?

 I have learned (although I knew some before) that not all childrens' websites are created equal and many sites are not easily accessible for your learners (like first graders).  I have to carefully preview and often modify my expectations for my students based on the site or WebQuest I am using.  While there are lots of great resources for young learners, many of the resources are geared for higher elementary. I have to pick carefully what I choose to use.

By finding new technologies to use I had to evaluate and critique which ones would best suite student needs and incorporate all I had to teach.  Narrowing down the field to the best choices is important.

I also need to use the UDL principles in evaluating and using technology into the classroom.  This guide helps me know which topics, ideas and technologies will help challenge (but not frustrate) my students.

How have you met your own personal goals for learning about technology integration?

I did learn some new Web 2.0 technology and strategies in this class.  I have learned how to incorporate them more successfully for each student using the UDL principles.  I was good at using technology to show and teach to students before; but now I feel I am more effective in letting students learn with technology and learn from technology.

I am also learning more about how to use these technologies, which is a goal as well.  I wanted to learn more, but I need to be proficient with several and master a few to better integrate them in my classroom.  I feel I am well on my way in learning some new technologies.  Mission accomplished!

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 find that the more I learn, the more I need to keep learning.  I have learned more Web2.0 to include in my classroom.  Integrating technology is more that using computers in the classroom, I was good at that before.  Great integration is teaching students how to use it, be comfortable with it, and allowing them to choose which mode is the best for them.  We are all creative in different ways.

I plan to continue taking classes towards MAET.  I also plan on "playing" with technology in the meantime and becoming more proficient with the skills I have learned.  I would like to be able to incorporate what I have learned into the classroom as well as share what I have learned with my fellow teachers.  The other first grade teachers loved the Nouns and Verbs PowerPoint I created and used in their classrooms as review.