Reflection of Foundations of Educational Technology

The narrative below is a reflection of the leaning I have acquired during the Foundations of Educational Technology, the first course, while in pursuit of an endorsement in educational technology in a cohort offered through University of Saint Francis.

According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the need to teach digital literacy is the number one critical challenge for districts in terms of impact on teaching. “Digital media literally continues its rise in importance as a key skill in every discipline and profession.

As we approach the conclusion of our first class, “Foundations of Technology in Education,” I am reflecting on what I will remember most.  There have been numerous articles and websites viewed to learn about the content presented in each module, discussions with colleagues participating in the technology cohort, and discovering what has been absorbed and how I have benefited from the information presented during the duration of this course.  

Within the eight modules, there have been a plentiful amount of articles to enhance the understanding of the technology being presented.  As I reflect about which article that stays with me, the first article that made the greatest impression is “Creating a Safe Social Learning Environment to Improve Student Success” by the staff of Schoolwires, Inc. - Posted Nov 1, 2013.  Having great classroom management and establishing expectations is essential to having a productive school year.  As I read this article, it becomes evident that rules have to extend outside the four walls of the classroom in the form of digital citizenship.  According to the article, “Creating a Safe Social Learning Environment to Improve Student Success” by the staff of Schoolwires, Inc. - Posted Nov 1, 2013,  Elk Grove Unified School District 5 in California is an example of a district that is providing Internet Safety workshops not only for teachers and administrators, but also for parents.  We have to incorporate rules for how to interact when connecting with others online: precautions to protect students identity (what and what not to include), identify and use appropriate sites, and how to properly interact when using social media sites.  As well as citing information properly in order to follow fair use guidelines.  In conjunction with digital citizenship, a discussion has to be had on cyber bullying.  Now with social media being used as a platform for learning, we have to incorporate these within the parameters of instruction.  

During the duration of this course I have had many discussions with classmates within blogs, in person, and through the use of e-mails and PLN’s.

I am immensely grateful to my colleagues for the generous assistance they have provided throughout the duration of this course.  Prior to taking this class I was a “word girl” and infrequently used google docs and apps found in google suite.  I became so easily frustrated navigating google docs that I refrained from using it.  This course made me face my fears head on and learn while working.   Some discussions I have had with my classmates revolved around “how to” in regards to assignments.  Mostly, discussions took place in the response discussions with the thought provoking questions every week. Reading the responses written by my fellow classmates opened my eyes to the potential of establishing PLN’s, the issues that surround digital ethics, and the 4 C’s in technology.   The discussions were very helpful and enlightening.  Reading the opinions of my classmates helped put into perspective the many modes of technology. Never would I have guessed that Twitter is a personalized learning network. In fact, I would never have created a Twitter account had it not been an assignment and I am still learning how to navigate this form of social media. However, I am really looking forward to reading about what is out there in regards to the different types of programs (ie., Maker Spaces and STEAM) that will help our students build upon all that technology has to offer in their education.

Finally, when I ask myself if I have grown as an educator, the answer is yes.  Prior to this course I thought I had a good foundation of technology and implemented it well with my students.  I now know this to be false; although I did use google docs, I did not utilize its collaborative features with my students.  I am very excited to incorporate the many resources and tools I have been exposed to and those I have yet to learn to further my students academic successes.  I find myself not being as afraid of pushing buttons and exploring sites.  I still have to “phone a friend” when I am having difficulty with how to navigate or utilize certain tech, such as using blogger.   While adding to my blog, I had great difficulty using the menu on the left in order to publish pages and create links to those pages.  Learning about the ISTE standards, the 4 C’s, and being aware of digital ethics when teaching are playing in the background of my mind while I create new lessons and respond to questions within the discussion platforms within the modules.  Technology Integration Models will help me to assess where I am at in regards to incorporating technology in the classroom and where I want to be with how I utilize technology with my students in and outside of the classroom. The love of learning continues to grow and I feel a renewed desire to get in the classroom and share what I have ascertained with the students I teach.  

The opportunity to learn occurs every day; we find “teachable moments” in the classroom whether we are the educator or the student.  I plan on continuing my learning both in the classroom with the students and with my colleagues.  Through Professional Learning Communities in the school day, and with colleagues participating in the technology cohort. While students are in school to learn, they are also able to offer their skill set when it comes to technology.  They enjoy being able to help others with managing technology and this transitions to working in collaborative platforms.  Also, we as teachers share with one another ideas about lessons and what we have found engages our kids.  As a special education teacher, I look forward to utilizing the features I have recently learned and those I have not yet had exposure to in order to differentiate and adapt lessons to my students learning styles.

References

All Things PLC. (n.d.). Retrieved July 06, 2017, from http://www.allthingsplc.info/about

Creating a Safe Social Learning Environment to Improve Student Success. (2013, November 01). Retrieved July 06, 2017, from http://www.internetatschools.com/Articles/Editorial/Features/Creating-a-Safe-Social-Learning-Environment-to-Improve-Student-Success-93155.aspx