Reflection of the Integration of Technology

Final Thoughts

Part 1

Learning how many different ways there are to integrate technology into the classroom has and will improve how I plan my lessons and teach my class.  This semester I have had a wonderful experience finding and creating ways to use technology to enhance student learning.  Understanding the rationale of the many uses of technology has helped me learn to implement technology more effectively in the classroom. 

This course has allowed me hands on application of the AECT Standards in areas of design and development.  Standard 2 relating to development of instructional materials in the areas of print, audiovisual, computer-based, and integrated technologies was thoroughly explored and practiced throughout the semester.  Having a focus on math at a 5^th grade level allowed me to implement many of the materials shortly after creating them. 

The two assignments that taught me the most professionally were the presentation and hypermedia activities.  Moving beyond a power point to creating a tool that enhances a lesson and works as a visual connection for students improved my lesson design.  Finding new ways to integrate technology within one lesson presents quite a challenge, but with positive results.

The most challenging part of the course was having a focus area that all assignments would be based upon.  I chose math quickly thinking that since it was my favorite subject to teach, it would the best option.  I have always favored teaching math throughout the curriculum, but having to create each activity based solely on one subject was harder than I had expected.  Maybe I would find it different if I didn’t come from an elementary school background, I’m not sure.  I found the completion of this course very rewarding.  Staying focused on one subject challenged me to dig deeper to find new ways of technology integration.  For that, I am thankful.

Part 2

Reflections on my blog this semester

For content, I feel that I took time to provide thoughtful posts, analyzing content and making connections to the content.  67/70

When writing my comments, I used resource material and the course text to support my responses. 20/20

Although I completed all required blog assignments, I feel that posting my comments earlier in the week would have allowed more time for others to read and respond.  15/20

I enjoyed reading and responding to other students’ posts.  My responses were always detailed, however, I could have responded more during some weeks.  23/30

My final grade would be 125/140.