EDUC 6715 Final Reflection

This course New and Emerging Technologies has really opened my eyes to the different types of emerging and disruptive technologies that exist. Initially I thought of all the technology that my school had locked in the store room somewhere and realized that as each year progresses something new comes out that replaces the old and makes its use much more user-friendly. On Wednesday of this week we had the interactive whiteboard installed in each classroom thus replacing the LCD projectors that we used to wheel into each class we had. This technology has proven success after two days of use. Most teachers are excited to use it. One student tried swinging from the part that hung overhead so the projector could project images onto the screen. He was dealt with accordingly and it sent a strong message to other students that if you break it you will be dealt with accordingly. It has improved class participation and helped to alleviate behavioral issues since all students are fully engaged in the learning process. It also appeals to the visual and kinesthetic learners.

The Horizons Project had some invaluable ideas and resources that will definitely help to enhance the teaching and learning of math and other subject areas. I definitely see myself as an agent of change in my school. Already my coworkers are asking for assistance in lesson planning. The math department has a presentation to do on a differentiated lesson and my contribution will be on the technology aspect. I plan to use a video from brainpop.com and the graph application on the whiteboard to show how a lesson can be differentiated. I also want to introduce them to a social network site such as Ning.com. \

Overall I am very satisfied with this course. Walden definitely knew how to culminate the program with a bang where we could incorporate what we have learned to our practice. This was not a degree without a purpose. I believe it has satisfied all my requirements of a program that would fit my needs. I am now confident that I can lead my school and students with 21st century skills and prepare my students to be successful in their future endeavors.

EDUC 6714 Final Reflection

As the countdown begins to the end of this course of study, I must say it has truly been an enlightening experience working and learning in such an environment. Not only am I walking away with a Masters degree, but I am completing this program more knowledgeable about how to integrate technology in my classroom. This class taught me so much about the UDL and DI that when I got observed this week my AP told me that I was doing a fantastic job differentiating my lessons. She absolutely loved the powerpoint presentation and she thought my students were well engaged. The resources from the differentiation station that we had to participate in made me understand more of how to collaborate in group settings no matter where we are.

It is incidental that on Wednesday of this week Interactive smartboards were installed in each classroom. The level of participation in my classes has improved drastically. Now I have students who would otherwise shy away from participating wanting to participate. I save their work in files so that they can go back later on and view their work. This is an awesome way to differentiate the lesson to address the needs of all learners. Now I can show clips directly related to the lesson and not have to worry about the technology failing. I would like to try using a ning account for students to communicate with each other and with me.

Overall this course was very beneficial to me. I have achieved my goal.