Reflection of EEND677

Upon the conclusion of the third class, “Multimedia Tools in Education,” as I work to obtain an endorsement in technology, I am reflecting on what I will remember most.  The atmosphere of this class was refreshing.  The instructor provided examples of the media tools taught in the classroom.  The examples provided inspiration to utilize multimedia tools in my classroom.   An article that stands out is “14 ways to create great classroom video with Screencastify.”  I was fearful of using screen-cast with my students; although, after reading this article, I was able to visualize the benefits of using it in the classroom. I was able to see how I could implement this with students who are absent, or need reteaching.  I also like how I can use it to post strategies for students to reference at home.   As I reflect back, a discussion that sticks with me is from module 2, using flip-grid to discuss how to use audio in the classroom.  It was fun and reduced anxiety with incorporating multimedia tools in the classroom.

I feel I have grown as a connected educator because I am continuing to incorporate the tools I am learning about.  I am excited to implement the tools I am learning in the cohort with my students.  My students are benefiting through interactive lessons I am creating using google slides.  Students are working collaboratively using google drawing to create logos for Earth Club.  Screen-casting enables me to provide explanation of how to utilize strategies to solve problems, use reading graphic organizers, or how to write an introduction paragraph.  I am looking forward to using this more in the future.  Most of all, everything I learned in “Multimedia in the Classroom,” I am able to use in some facet with my students. I continue to be the student and I plan on taking the next class, “Technology Integration Into Lessons and Curriculum.”  

Last week, I was able to share my screen-cast with a student who is technologically inclined.  I asked him what his thoughts were about the screen-cast (how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators) and he thought it was pretty good.  I can see use of screen-casts showing how to use the strategies in future.  Students can pause as they follow the screen-cast example while they complete the steps independently.  

I look forward to continuing to learn about technology and its many tools to adapt lessons to my students ability levels in order to enable them to be confident and successful learners.

I continue to look forward to learning through my PLC (Professional Learning Community) with my colleagues; as well as participating in the technology cohort.  As a special education teacher, I continue to look forward to utilizing the features I am learning in order to differentiate and adapt lessons to my students learning styles to enable them to be self-confident, productive learners.  

Works Cited

“14 Ways to Create Great Classroom Video with Screencastify.” Ditch That Textbook, 22 Sept. 2016, ditchthattextbook.com/2016/09/22/14-ways-to-create-great-classroom-video-with-screencastify/.

“Flipgrid. Ignite Classroom Discussion.” Flipgrid., info.flipgrid.com/.

“Screencast-O-Matic.” Screencast-O-Matic, screencast-o-matic.com/.