Post #7: Journal/Reflection

Course Reflection

Flip Video

a.)  My goal for this course was to learn new ways to create and implement technology in my classroom. This was accomplished through the many project-based learning experiences throughout the course. I was able to meet several ISTE goals by designing and sharing learner-driven activities with students and staff. Here are a few of the ISTE standards I was able to use:

2.1 Learner: Educators continually improve their practice by learning from and with others, and exploring proven and promising practices that leverage technology to boost student learning.

2.1.b: Participate in PLNs: Pursue professional interests by creating and actively participating in local and global learning networks.

2.2 Leader: Educators seek out opportunities for leadership to support student empowerment and success and to improve teaching and learning.

2.2.c: Model Digital Tool Use: Model for colleagues the identification, exploration, evaluation, curation and adoption of new digital resources and tools for learning.

2.4 Collaborator: Educators dedicate time to collaborate with both colleagues and students to improve practice, discover and share resources and ideas, and solve problems.

2.5 Designer: Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize and accommodate learner variability.

2.5.c: Create Innovative Learning Environments: Explore and apply instructional design principles to create innovative digital learning environments that engage and support learning.

A few of the most useful tools I used were Screencastify and WeVideo.  I love using Screencastify because it is quick and easy to make tutorial videos for my students. I just made one this week to show parents and students how to log onto Google Classroom and turn in assignments at home. WeVideo took me some time to get used to it, but now I feel confident in making more curriculum videos that I can share with parents, students, and colleagues.

b.) I plan to continue to utilize multimedia tools in my classroom. I have seen firsthand how much this can increase student interest and engagement.  One way I plan to do this is through gamification sites like Blooket and Kahoot! to review a topic or check for student understanding.  I plan to use Canva for students to complete and share group projects. I also plan to continue to utilize X (Twitter) in my teaching practice.  I know this will keep me updated on new technologies I can add to my lessons and teaching. 

c.) I encountered several challenges during the course. I believe that these challenges helped me to grow as an educator in several ways.  This course taught me to utilize my PLN to solve problems.  I know I can reach out for help when I need it. Each challenge I had also prepared me for similar challenges my students may experience when utilizing these tools.  This allows me to be better prepared to implement them for students. 

I have gained so much confidence in using multimedia tools in my classroom because of this course.  I am looking forward to enhancing my instruction with all of the valuable tools I have learned.