Final Reflection
Part One: Reflections on this course
I am pursuing both my M.E.T. and a certificate as a Technology Integration Specialist, and this course is one of my required electives. I began this course with great excitement but I was not prepared for how much I would learn or how meaningful it would be for me personally. I have never been so excited to get a textbook–how could I go wrong reading a book with the iPad as its cover art? I literally read every word of the text and I enjoyed it immensely. I made a mistake and didn’t order the course text in time, and in the end I was glad because I bought the just-released 2012 edition instead. It is full of current apps, websites, and software ideas and I have highlighted so many helpful tools. In a field that changes rapidly, having the current book has been essential.
BSU's EdTech department mission statement supports "creating, using, managing, and evaluating appropriate technological processes and resources." I feel I have done each one of these throughout the course. I have had to think through the relative advantage of each tool we have used. I have created complete lessons that integrate multiple technologies and strategies. I have tried to find the best technological fit to meet a given need. I have explored the complex issues surrounding emerging technologies and created material that can be used for professional development and in the classroom. Appropriate use of these tools truly contributes to a "dynamic global society." Aligning with the College of Education's conceptual framework, I feel better prepared to serve "diverse communities of learners" by promoting "high levels of student achievement." After this course I am equipped with better skills to "prepare learners to be citizens who contribute to a complex world." I consider such skills invaluable. I have met several AECT standards and documented them both on this website and on my learning log.
The most important thing I have learned in this course is designing integration strategies. This new knowledge has shaped the path my career will take, and I’m excited by the possibilities. Since I am not a certified teacher, I have struggled a little trying to find my niche in the EdTech program. This class has given me new direction and has confirmed that this is indeed the program and the path for me. I have many ideas about what I can do now and how I can apply this knowledge. I have a better handle on what a technology integration specialist is and does.
Another important concept for me has been relative advantage. As one who loves technology, I often jump right in as a parent or in casual teaching environments just because I can. I have learned to determine the relative advantage of such tools, and to use and implement them wisely–not just because they are available. This has been a profound lesson for me and one that has already shaped my current efforts.
I enjoy the EdTech program because it combines theory with practice. Much of my past learning has been theoretical with very little opportunity for real-life application. In the EdTech program, I feel like I am now experiencing an ideal learning environment, one that focuses on the projects we create as the means of assessment. It is more a more effective–and fun–way to learn. In the end, I feel I have a better handle on the theory because I’ve had to synthesize and apply it in each assignment.
All in all, this has been an immensely rewarding course and one I will look back on as having a huge impact on shaping my professional and educational goals.
Part 2: Self-assessment
This course has been extremely time-consuming because I have tried to do my very best on each assignment. I could easily have cut down the hours I spent but my project quality would have suffered. Designing high-quality technologically-rich lessons takes time, patience, and great attention to detail. My arm aches constantly. Internet issues are part of daily life in Kathmandu, and that has added to my challenge. Yet, as a result of my consistent efforts, I am proud of the work I have done. The skills I have gained and shared are critical 21st Century skills that will help teachers and students alike.
This site will serve as a valuable resource for me and possibly others. I will refer to it often and likely improve upon it. Per rubric requirements, I have cited course readings and other articles using APA style. I have posted early enough to give classmates sufficient time to comment and commented on at least two classmates’ blogs each week. Most importantly, I have included quality content. I have tried to analyze, synthesize, and think through each issue I was asked to explore. I believe this site is representative of my work in this course and deserves full credit.
I am pursuing both my M.E.T. and a certificate as a Technology Integration Specialist, and this course is one of my required electives. I began this course with great excitement but I was not prepared for how much I would learn or how meaningful it would be for me personally. I have never been so excited to get a textbook–how could I go wrong reading a book with the iPad as its cover art? I literally read every word of the text and I enjoyed it immensely. I made a mistake and didn’t order the course text in time, and in the end I was glad because I bought the just-released 2012 edition instead. It is full of current apps, websites, and software ideas and I have highlighted so many helpful tools. In a field that changes rapidly, having the current book has been essential.
BSU's EdTech department mission statement supports "creating, using, managing, and evaluating appropriate technological processes and resources." I feel I have done each one of these throughout the course. I have had to think through the relative advantage of each tool we have used. I have created complete lessons that integrate multiple technologies and strategies. I have tried to find the best technological fit to meet a given need. I have explored the complex issues surrounding emerging technologies and created material that can be used for professional development and in the classroom. Appropriate use of these tools truly contributes to a "dynamic global society." Aligning with the College of Education's conceptual framework, I feel better prepared to serve "diverse communities of learners" by promoting "high levels of student achievement." After this course I am equipped with better skills to "prepare learners to be citizens who contribute to a complex world." I consider such skills invaluable. I have met several AECT standards and documented them both on this website and on my learning log.
The most important thing I have learned in this course is designing integration strategies. This new knowledge has shaped the path my career will take, and I’m excited by the possibilities. Since I am not a certified teacher, I have struggled a little trying to find my niche in the EdTech program. This class has given me new direction and has confirmed that this is indeed the program and the path for me. I have many ideas about what I can do now and how I can apply this knowledge. I have a better handle on what a technology integration specialist is and does.
Another important concept for me has been relative advantage. As one who loves technology, I often jump right in as a parent or in casual teaching environments just because I can. I have learned to determine the relative advantage of such tools, and to use and implement them wisely–not just because they are available. This has been a profound lesson for me and one that has already shaped my current efforts.
I enjoy the EdTech program because it combines theory with practice. Much of my past learning has been theoretical with very little opportunity for real-life application. In the EdTech program, I feel like I am now experiencing an ideal learning environment, one that focuses on the projects we create as the means of assessment. It is more a more effective–and fun–way to learn. In the end, I feel I have a better handle on the theory because I’ve had to synthesize and apply it in each assignment.
All in all, this has been an immensely rewarding course and one I will look back on as having a huge impact on shaping my professional and educational goals.
Part 2: Self-assessment
This course has been extremely time-consuming because I have tried to do my very best on each assignment. I could easily have cut down the hours I spent but my project quality would have suffered. Designing high-quality technologically-rich lessons takes time, patience, and great attention to detail. My arm aches constantly. Internet issues are part of daily life in Kathmandu, and that has added to my challenge. Yet, as a result of my consistent efforts, I am proud of the work I have done. The skills I have gained and shared are critical 21st Century skills that will help teachers and students alike.
This site will serve as a valuable resource for me and possibly others. I will refer to it often and likely improve upon it. Per rubric requirements, I have cited course readings and other articles using APA style. I have posted early enough to give classmates sufficient time to comment and commented on at least two classmates’ blogs each week. Most importantly, I have included quality content. I have tried to analyze, synthesize, and think through each issue I was asked to explore. I believe this site is representative of my work in this course and deserves full credit.