Reflective Blog #8

"Aha!" - ETEC 524 has been an eye-opening, hands-on, fast-paced, life-changing class for me! After being out of college for 13 years and out of a regular education classroom/campus for 5 years, every week was an "Aha!" moment for me. I had never seen, and only vaguely heard of, the Web 2.0 technologies we used in this class. However after 8 weeks, I not only learned about wikis, blogs, etc., but created and applied them to my learning. I must confess when I created the first technology project, my blog, I got frustrated and almost cried. (Okay...I cried.) In part because I was nervous and worried that I would not be able to learn the technology skills required for this class in such a short time. However, I am a visual and tactile (hands-on) learner and I was able to catch on quickly and create the projects because Dr. W. provided great information and examples. My confidence in my technology skills have increased so much that I started looking forward to what we were going to create next.

I really enjoyed this class and hope to continue developing my technology skills. ETEC 524 is the first of many technology classes on my degree plan so I hope I will have Dr. W. as a professor again.

Once I graduate and I become a school librarian, I plan to help teachers and students integrate technology in their classrooms.

Reflective Blog #7

Mini-Lesson - I did a lesson that incorportated Google Earth. It is one of the few Web 2.0 tools I was familiar with before taking ETEC 524 and I chose it because I wanted to explore it more. I had to think outside the box for this assignment because I currently teach students with severe disabilities. My lesson plans do not include higher order thinking skills and the only technology I incorporate in my class are assistive devices. I wanted my lesson to be fun, interesting, and relevant. My lesson was written for early elementary-age students about the 2010 Winter Olympics. The objective was for them to research, gather and organize information/images using the Internet and Google Earth. The final project was that they create a brochure using that information.

My view on instruction has changed a lot in the past 7 weeks. I look forward to creating projects that are interesting and incorporate technology. When the time comes for me to leave the Special Education field, I plan to share the knowledge I've gained in technology with teachers so that they can improve the way they teach and the way their students learn.

Reflective Blog #6

Podcasts - Another interesting and worthwhile technology project this week. It's hard to believe that only a few short weeks ago, I would get nervous and stressed about doing the assigned week's project. Now, I no longer have fear. I look forward to jumping into the unknown realm of technology and tackling the assignment. My husband was amazed at the ease in which I was able to navigate Jing and Screencast, and the relatively short period of time I made my podcast. He plans to start using podcasts in his classroom.

This activity ties into my second journal article presentation I explored a few weeks ago. Science teachers were using vodcasts (video podcasts) to present the lecture to their students outside of the classroom. Under this vodcast model, the teachers had an additional 50-65 minutes of a 90-minute class period to assist students understand the content. The teachers used class time to conduct more hands-on learning and directly help students with assignments and labs. By allowing students to learn by using different modes of instruction and technology allows more opportunities in pursuing higher education. The experience in learning with podcasts and other Web 2.0 technologies teaches students accountability and discipline, which in turn makes on-line courses a good option for them.

Fear, ignorance and being stagnat is what prevents change in anything. I unfortunately fell into all three categories. A half-day, or even a full-day staff development will not change persons' teaching practices and/or habits. A person needs time to evolve. I had not realized how much technology and the classroom enviroment has changed since I graduated from college. I only wish that I had returned to school sooner. Education is important and should be on-going for life. Therefore if I had a wand and could make a change, I would make it possible for teachers to return to college at least once a year to take a technology course at the expense of their district. Real-life education is life transforming. At least, it has been for me.

Reflective Blog #5

Wikis - I am new to wikis. I had attended a staff development on them a couple of years ago but I never made one and had forgotten what one entailed. Through blogs and posts, I read how some of the students in ETEC 524 were using wikis in their classes, libraries and personal life. I was nervous about creating one but the information and resources that Dr. W. provided were very helpful.

It was nice to have an option of creating an educational or personal wiki. I decided to incorporate the two buy doing an instructional wiki on Zumba Fitness; something I do in my personal time. I think it is a great way to inform people about Zumba but also, it can help other Zumba instructors so they can post and give input on new songs, routines, instructor training courses, etc. My wiki is still in development but I think I was able to include everything that someone new to Zumba would like to know.

The advantages is that everyone has a "voice", can give input, and edit in a wiki site. This helps when clear, concise instructions and directions are needed. I already know I would like to make a wiki for a camping trip my coworkers, our families, and I are planning to Garner State Park on Easter weekend. There are four lists going around and the girls keep wanting to have meetings to update and be clear on what has been done so far. With my busy schedule, I have not been able to either add to a list or make a meeting. I would also like to make a wiki for our teacher meeting potlucks. We are currently just sending emails to each other and the information can get overwhelming and tedious to read through. Especially when someone continues to add the entire text of the previous email.

The biggest disadvantages I see in wikis (coming from someone who has OCD tendancies) is the equal opportunity editing rights that everyone has. I am someone who needs to have a control in large projects. It took every ounce of power not to go into the class wiki and try to organize it and make it easier on the eyes. However, as a class project I think the experience of making it fun for the students is by letting them create and give input the way they want.

I like the animation in the eLearning Tools for Wiki. Every time I was allowed to create one I made one; for my blog and wiki. These features are something I know the students would like as well.

This technology project so far has been my favorite!

Reflective Blog #4

Assessment for Learning - My journal article presentation and this week's technology project narrowed my focus to the following assessments:

~ Be part of effective planning of teaching and learning.
~ Focus on how students learn.
~ Promote commitment of learning goals and a shared understanding of the criteria by which they are assessed.
~ Recognize the full range of achievements of all learners.
~ Develops learner's capacity for self-assessment so that they can become reflective and self-managing.

The vision for vodcasts is that of guided independent study, individualized education, and inquiry-based education. Students watch the podcast lecture, conduct lab experiments, finish projects and take assessments at their own pace. Benchmarks are in place for students interested in meeting minimum requirements and allows for gifted students to get ahead. This article addressed both AFL and my philosophy that not all students learn the same. I believe a multiple learning approach should be used to effectively reach all students.

E-Portfolios - Before this activity and from the course notes, I had an idea of what an electronic portfolio was but I had never seen one. As one of my graduation requirements for my education degree, I had to make one (pre-electronic days). It included my educational philosophy and the culmination of my best work, lesson plans and projects. I was told it would be a great tool to have at interviews and to get a job. In truth, no one ever requested to see it. In retrospect, I feel the portfolio was not successful because I didn't believe in it. The portfolio was a just another project and once completed, I would not have had any problems leaving it with the university.

However, I feel differently about e-portfolios. I find that I am excited about the process, believe in its value and already feeling ownership of the work I am including in mine. It's exciting to know that I will be able to share it with others and that others will be able to give input and feedback. I like the fact that I can continously update the artificats and mostly, it will be an important assessment tool I can use for personal reflection on my growth in technology.

Reflective Blog #3

MAPping Information Activity - This activity opened my eyes to the fact that some of the ways I looked for and got information on the Internet is not as reliable as I believed. I admit that I am a creature of habit. If it works, I don't change it. I have held fast to websites like Google and Wikipedia when looking for information. I would not necessarily take the first hit as fact but if I found a couple of other sites that collaborated with what I'd find I would stop there. Through this exercise I learned what makes up a URL and how each link can give clues to its credibility. I am fairly confident of the information I have used in the past but after this week I will definitely look for information differently. For starters I will look at the URL first and break it down for realiability before reading the article. I believe this is a very important skill to know and learn. Students should be taught MAPping first before we let them loose to search for information on the web. Think of all the frustration we could spare them and their teachers if they learned to research websites correctly. It's hard to undo learning so getting it right the first time is best.

Del.icio.us Activity - I had not heard of Del.icio.us before doing this activity. Up until now, I had used 'favorites' as my way to bookmark the sites I most frequented. I can see advantages such as organization, utilization of time, and being able to locate information from any place and computer in using an account like this. As I was setting up my account and on step 2, I was unexpectly kicked out of the site. So I don't know if I properly installed the browser buttons. I never saw a confirmation page but I was able to add a contact and bookmarks so I think I did this activity correctly. I really didn't have many bookmarks to begin with so I started with some from my favorites list. As I continue to learn and grow, I plan on adding websites that are more pertinent to what I am doing in school and at work. This is a good way to help students be organized and start tasks quickly and efficiently.

Reflective Blog #2

Educational Technology - The use of technological resources to facilitate learning and improve student performances. These resources can include physical and world-wide web resources. What it has shown me is that we can use educational technology to reach every type of learner and individual, whether they are normal learners or students with a learning disability. In the past, we have looked to assistive technology in mostly helping students with physical disabilities. However, educational technology can reach both the learning disabled and physically disabled. My article this week focused on how tech-tools are helping austic students increase their communication, social skills and apply fuctional living skills in the virtual world by using blogs, online chats and online resources. Isn't that what the students of ETEC 524 are also doing this semester (no-less using the same tools)? It is pretty amazing! My educational philosophy does align with this week's activities in that education should be flexible and fails when it molds students to one type of learner. I do plan to continue exploring more and open to being dissuaded if I find a better argument against my philosophy so far.

Reflection on Videos - Wow! Watching the two videos was an eye-opening experience. I had to reflect and then admit that I had allowed myself to stay a Digital Immigrant. My arguments for not 'evolving' stem from trying to stay on a budget and not buying anything I don't have to. My motto (and excuse) is, "I can't miss what I've never had." It proved right because once I adopt a technological gadget, I find myself can't needing to be without it and then wondering why I waited so long to get it. Ignorance and fear can go a long way. However, in just two weeks in this class I have learned and applied things I had only heard of . My decision to return to school has put me on the right track to catching up with the Digital Natives. After reading, Do They Really Think Differently?, I observed my two-year old and noticed that she watched her educational videos in spurts. Just as the article said, she paid attention during the instruction and then played with her toys during the songs. And while she doesn't own her own computer yet, she can already navigate You.tube when she wants to watch the Chipettes video, "All the Single Ladies". As for my eight-year old son, his teacher told me this week that he is having problems with his multiplication facts. I could not understand why because I pratice with him using flashcards and manipulatives. This weekend I let him play multiplication games online and by golly, I think he's got it. This Digital Immigrant is seeing for herself that learning can be fun and obtained through (video) games.

Reflective Blog #1

Educational Technology Philosophy (Rough Draft)

I am a teacher. I have not always been a professional educator but I teach. I teach my children. I teach in the workplace. I teach fitness classes. It is part of everything I do. I wrote my original educational philosophy paper thirteen years ago. My teaching career has been in Special Education and working in communities with underprivileged students with learning disabilities. I know my thoughts and ideas on education has changed over the years. My original philosophy was written for an ideal classroom with excellent students in a perfect world. It briefly discussed technology education. A solid educational plan now has to include technology. Technology plays an integral role in how educators teach and how students learn.

My teaching practices are based primarily on the philosophy of Pragmatism. I believe that education starts from the minute we are born and continues for life. Society should stress an emphasis that education does not end after graduation from high school. Education is ongoing. I agree with Pragmatism's methods that education should be flexible. Education fails when it molds students into one type of learner. Pragmatism realizes that children are not at the same level as their peers and can not be educated the same way. My experience is that the teacher should focus on the individual and know a student's strengths and weaknesses. Then allow for modifications that will enable a student to be successful. I defend my actions by the motto, "Equal is not always fair." Education should be action-oriented and real-life situations be used to teach problem-solving. If the importance of a lesson does not have relevance in a student's life, it will not be learned. Teachers should find what motivates a child to learn and design an individualized education plan to ensure success. Pragmatism stresses the importance of educating an individual to be a social being and allowing them participate in and direct their own social affairs. The state now mandates that Special Education students in middle school through high school attend their ARD meetings and give input on their educational goals and transitional plans for when they leave the public school system.

Effective teachers are learners. In my own experience of training and leading, I have always believed that a leader is a lifelong learner. I have always been open to receive instruction. I learn from my co-workers, both teachers and instructional assistants. The people in my life play interchanging roles as teacher and student. I take pride in helping others to succeed.

Effective teachers are relationship builders. One must have the ability to connect to others. I have lived in multi-cultural cities and have worked with people from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. I know how to relate to those undergoing adversity and share in their successes. Empathy is one of my major strengths. It enables me to build better relationships. I believe this is key to reaching my students. Technology allows the opportunity for building social relationships. Students learn not only to communicate their ideas and express their opinions to their teachers and classmates but to almost anyone in the world.

I want to be an effective teacher that is part of the solution that a school envisions for our children and our community. If I can help children to succeed, then their achievements are not only theirs or mine but it would be their family's and their community's as well. I am fortunate to work in a good school district with solid projected plans on how to improve and integrate future technology in its schools. The key in having a good educational technology program is in the planning. The problem with some school districts is that they buy programs and equipment without knowing if it is compatable with its curriculum or the equipment it already has.

School districts should empower students to use technology to navigate, learn and use the many resources available to them in the world wide-web. This will afford them the many opportunities available to them to succeed in relationships and life.

Self Reflection - Being able to write down my philosophy will enable me to reflect on my growth after I have completed this course. I am curious to see how it will impact or if it will change my original philosophy on educational technology. I will be able to identify technology in my class and assess if it is on the right track to towards informating.

Educational Blogging - Blogging provides an open forum for journaling, sharing ideas, collecting information, resources, and knowledge, and improving community relationships. The five major uses for blogs in education mentioned by Henry Farrell in Crooked Timber are being utilized by Dr. W. As a student, blogging will allow for me to chronicle my thoughts and work. I believe blogging has met its purpose. However, blogging does not afford instantaneous feedback and response such as instant messaging. Blogging is a robust technology that is constantly changing and improving for the better.

Ceating a Culture for Teaching and Learning - As I started reading, I thought that I already knew the potential problems that technology in the classrooms could create for teachers, students, and parents. However, after reading Part 5: Automating vs. Informating, I was completely blown away. I never thought about the implications that technology could have on the rich and poor. I realize that students who have a computer at home have an advantage of having more time to do quality work. But I never thought beyond mandated public education. Knowing how to expertly navigate the web and experiencing real-life application of technology by taking an online class, would certainly level the playing field for a high school drop out, a stay at-home mom, a person with a disability, etc, and give them an opportunity to improve their quality of life. Dr. W. and the students of ETEC 524 validate Mr. November's point.