810 Personal Learning Reflection

Over the past seven weeks I have learned quite a lot about teaching with technology.  After reviewing and reflecting on my Personal Growth Plan, I believe that I have accomplished many of my goals and improved on my skills with technology.  My primary areas of growth have been in the areas of creating meaningful Google Sites and expanding on my knowledge of Google Docs.  I can attribute most of my growth in those areas due to the completion of our SIG Project.  Through the course of that project, I learned how to set up a Google Site that is easy to navigate and how to embed video and Google Docs.  Also, I learned how to set up Google Forms as a tool in Google Docs that allows me to have an answer sheet within my web site to collect assessment data.  

Of course, there are areas that I would still like to learn more about with integrating technology into my classroom.  Although, I have been introduced to topics in mobile learning and have explored using cell phones in the classroom, I would like to have more concrete ideas on how I would like to apply this in my classroom.  I feel like I would need more time to get a better understanding of some classroom polling sites to get the technology classroom ready for me.   

Overall, I have been happy with my growth in using technology in the classroom.  Before taking this class my use of technology in the classroom was limited to PowerPoint presentations and researching topics using the internet.  Now, I am familiar with many technologies that will help students learn better and I am ready to implement them starting next school year.  Most importantly, I feel I have the background knowledge and motivation to continue to improve my use of technology in the future.    

Throughout this course I have learned that its not just about using technology in the classroom but integrating it to help teach more effectively.  Using Google Docs allows students to collaborate on assignments and allows teachers to give effective and immediate feedback.  Also, I have learned about lessons that follow the TPaCK structure that are most effective when combining technology, content and pedagogy.  When used correctly, technology can add to a lesson and help motivate students.  

There are so many ways to integrate the internet to improve technology in teaching.  In today's world it is important to make sure students are prepared with the proper skills for the 21st century.  With this in mind, integrating personal learning networks for students is important.  They can use twitter, social networks and social bookmarks to stay connected with learning opportunities.   

The assignment that I thought exemplified good teaching and technology was our SIG project about Google Sites and Docs.  I feel like it is a good lesson for the TPaCK standards.  It provides technology, differing pedagogical aspects, and the proper content for students to learn best.  

As stated above, I feel like I have met the goals of my Personal Growth Plan.  I feel like I have learned about using mobile devices in the classroom (although I would still like to learn more).  Mostly, I feel that I am ready to implement a classroom website using Google Sites and that I can use Google Docs in a variety of ways.  

One of the most important things that I have learned from this class is that technology is constantly changing and we need to make sure we keep up with it in education.  My new goals are mostly to continue to learn about new technologies that I can use in my classroom.  Also, I hope to learn more details about some of the technologies I have learned about, such as classroom polling websites.  My plan is to continue to use my RSS reader to make sure I stay updated on new technologies I can use in my classroom.