Reflection

This course, Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction and Technology, has created a strong impact on me. Considering the fact that it is always good to learn new information, I am extremely satisfied at the culmination of this course. When I think of my teaching practice, I am energized and excited about the new information I have learned. When I started this course my philosophy was simply to incorporate technology in the classroom. My students have varying interests many of which include group projects and some have been exposed to creating their own blogs. I want to tap into that source of creativity that exists.

This course has taught me how to create concept map using an interactive. I am accustomed to the pen and paper format that I occasionally use, however, the interactive can be made more meaningful in my math class. I have also been introduced to voicethread. Initially I did not see how this could help me in my math class, however, after exploring the application I now realize that it is a great conversation tool and it can also be used to help to clear up misconceptions that students have in solving problems. I intend to use this application in my classes. Another application that I found to be useful is the virtual field trips. I had fun using thefutureschannel.com in my class while I was being observed by my principal. He was mightily impresssed. Virtual field trips I find is a very useful tool since the distractions are limited and students get to view exactly what you want them to view. It also helps if your school is suffering from budget cuts and only non-expense trips get approved. This application will be used as much in my classes as I possibly can use it.

My long-term goal in regards to technology is to have all my classes participate in at least one instructional technology tool each day. Technology will help them in terms of reinforcing concepts learned. It will also help me in terms of classroom management in that, students who have mastered the skill and have helped one of their classmate who is struggling can move ahead while the others practice their skill to gain mastery. Technology will help to address the different learning levels and styles that exist in a typical classroom. I would also like to see the math department embrace the use of technology in the classroom remembering that we are teaching students who need to be challenged not only by the level of work they need to learn but also in terms of creativity and work that interests them. I believe that this will make a difference and our students will stop complaining and saying that 'school is boring.'