~Week 8~

 “Aha” moments for me included realizing:

·         I can make a wiki.

·         I can develop an e-portfolio

·         I CAN make a podcast ( a biggy for me)

·         I can increase my knowledge of how to determine credible websites.

Ok, so I can do these things…now what?

When I reflect over the last eight weeks in this course I recognize that I developed many technology projects I had never created before.  My knowledge was enhanced to see the bigger picture of the benefits of technology and its relevance to our global society.  Podcasting my proudest and most fulfilling accomplishment.   I am now more self-assured in my own competency to propel myself onward in my expedition to stay at the forefront of educational technology to augment my instruction and while developing/mploying my own creativity.   I feel better equipped to prepare my students for  the future while implementing the technologies within the curriculum I teach.  In addition, I always struggle to express myself creatively.  Now I have new methods to do so and my inhibitions more readily diminish.

 My educational technology philosophy has expanded since the beginning of the course.  Specifically, it has been broadened from the narrow perspective I had at the beginning of the course.  I am more motivated to implement my new knowledge of instructional technology within my lessons.  With this greater understanding has come less hesitation.

In the future, my newfound awareness in regards to the content of this course will allow me to be a better educator and therefore have improved products from my students.  A deepened appreciation has developed within me with consideration of what role technology plays in my students and my own life.  Additionally,  I can take action to prepare for the future and equip myself (and students) to welcome technology and all the changes that come with it!

Week 7

~Week 7 - Reflection #7~

This week you had a chance to think about delivering instruction through a technological lens. Why did you develop the learning objective you developed and what was your rationale for selecting the technologies you selected for integration? What are your expectations for the learning outcome?

I elected to develop my lesson with the Google application Google Earth.  I chose this because it is somewhat unfamiliar to me and I have heard a great deal about the unlimited potential it has.  Using a podcast to relay the information was a choice I made based on how enlightened I was last week.  This “healthy skepticism” I possess about technology holds me back some so I wanted to experience podcasting more. My expectations for  the learning outcome include extending student knowledge of how to utilize Google Earth, map skills, and distance calculations.  Also students will be able to experience the opportunity to employ the given technological tools to accomplish this task.   The learner will be assessed by completing the accompanying learning tool and through teacher observations of student technological motivation and compliance.

How are you viewing your instruction differently now?

The view on my instruction is much more panoramic, if you will.  I can see the importance of implementing current educational technology much more clearly. 

A basic understanding and appreciation is what I had at the beginning of this course.  Now my knowledge of educational technology has been scaffolded to an entirely new level.  At the same time, I feel that with these technological resources being implemented the expectation for student achievement must be raised as well.  The possibilities are unlimited (with the exception of my own creativity/imagination) ;)