5364+Teaching+with+Technology+Reflections



 Outcomes...

I was hoping this course would offer new ways to use technology within the classroom. My expectations were not only met, but exceeded. The discovery of tools, such as the CAST book builder site and online brain maps, were very exciting. They are tools that I will be sharing with my campus. The possibilities are endless as to how they could be used in all subject areas by both students and teachers alike .

I also learned a lot about working collaboratively that I had not thought about before. Keeping the focus on the product and not on the group dynamics is a point that I will also share. The idea that collaboration does not have to be only with the person sitting next to you is one that I hope I can pass on to other educators. There is so much to be learned from others, no matter where they are. James Paul Gee’s (2009) idea that “the group is smarter than the smartest person in the group” is a great point to make with reluctant teachers to encourage collaboration on projects. Due to the “smartness” of the entire group, our project came together easily and had many parts I would never have thought to do on my own. 

Relevance...

All of the sites and technology tools my team explored and used within our project are sites and tools that I have already started incorporating into my own classroom and shared with others. Students who have previously only been willing to do projects in Power Point, have recently made interactive books to share with the classes. I will also be sharing these projects with the staff during one of our Friday Focus staff development sessions. My 6th grade GT students are working on interactive science books to share with the 5th grade students who will be taking the science TAKS test this year. The 5th grade science teachers are anxious to see their products.  The information and suggestions about working with a diverse classroom like mine has proved invaluable. Our team project was an excellent way to experience the planning and execution of a project based lesson that meets the needs of all students .

Regrets...

I would like to have added a few more examples to our project, but time constraints would not allow this without sacrificing quality work on the part of the team. Quality of work took precedence over extra examples.   I did not have time to explore all of the suggested materials and resources available through CAST UDL and many that my team members shared. I have, however, bookmarked and made note of these to look at in the near future. As the Professional Development Committee chair, I can see a need for sharing much of this information with colleagues. After the holiday chaos subsides, I plan to look more closely at all of these newly found resources .

Success...

I was successful in completing all of my assignments, but the hectic holiday season and extra teaching duties did not make that an easy accomplishment. My family often tells me I set the bar too high for myself. I see it as a challenge. I always want to put a lot more into projects than I have time to accomplish. This time of year made it difficult for me to do that.  I have to learn to let go when it comes to working collaboratively. I see why some of my students experience frustration in having to work in groups. It is hard to step back and let someone else do their own part, but it is also a relief to have the extra imaginations, skills, and talent available to reach our goal <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">!

Revelations... <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">During this course, I had a very positive collaboration experience. I discovered that I have a lot to learn as well as a lot to share with others, but that is what makes the collaborative experience so productive! With the strengths of the individuals within a group, a lot can be accomplished. I found that I am sharing more of my learning with colleagues on a daily basis, which many have successfully implemented into their classrooms.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px;">Being the group leader was not what I had envisioned myself doing the first week of class, but I found that approaching that role as a facilitator, not the “leader,” made this an easy and enjoyable task. Most teachers today are struggling with their change in roles from being the one who delivers all the information to being a facilitator, allowing students to explore and learn through various media. The positive experience of working this way with my team gave me a new perspective on ways to work with my students in their projects. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">

Gee, J.P., Big thinkers: James Paul Gee on grading with games. Retrieved 12/16/2009 from []