Final Reflection

Since I have already integrated many web-based technologies into my classroom, I think I had a fairly strong knowledge of how to use and manipulate the tools for my desired outcomes. However, I believe that the process by which I apply and implement the tools has improved greatly, which will hopefully allow me to evaluate the overall change enacted by the tool in a more systematic way as well. One of the main goals I had for the certificate courses was to develop a more systematic approach for seeking out new technology tools, meeting curriculum standards, and improving and extending the learning experience in authentic ways. I also really hoped to gain a better understanding of how to use research to drive technology integration, as well as my own ability to assess how learning was actually improved by using the technology tool. I have made substantial progress towards these goals.

One of the most important things I learned during this course was how to focus my own approach towards technology in order to work towards real change. While I was always a strong believer in using technology to re-create the learning experience (not merely for its own sake), I believe that I have developed a much more straight forward method for applying new technology tools in my classroom. Part of this method is identifying and evaluating the issue first, using research to guide my choice of tool and implementation process, determining how I will assess the change in learning via the tool, and reflecting on future improvements and adjustments. Another key element of effective teaching that I reconsidered during this course is to apply what I already know about effective teaching strategies to technology integration. For example, students learn better when they are engaged in the material, which often times in language arts means having the power to choose reading material of interest. This is often limited when working with traditional textbooks, and I can see how teachers could easily incorporate the same limitations into a technology based lesson where students respond to the same electronic article. However, I believe I have really learned to focus on overcoming traditional limitations. If technology tools allow for more effective teaching strategies to be incorporated into the classroom, it is important for me to be aware of creative opportunities to adjust my own curriculum.

My current goals are focused on actually implementing many of the projects I have created over the course of these classes, as well as additional project ideas I have brainstormed. One of the greatest limitations of taking these courses over the summer was the inability to actually implement the work into my classroom. This required me to make guesses and predictions instead of actually analyzing authentic results. Unfortunately, assessing and analyzing the outcomes of using the tools was one of my main goals, so it will be important that I continue to focus on this goal in the coming months when I am actually able to see the technology projects in action. I hope to carefully evaluate and reflect on each of the new technology components I have created (from StAIR’s to WebQuests) in order to better guide future instruction and my own effectiveness as an educator. While I have many more ambitious goals to follow up with (as outlined in my technology plan), of more immediate concern is to stay focused on assessing real change, no matter how busy or frustrating the upcoming year may prove to be.