Apply & Discover 11.1

Reflecting back on this course, I am pleased to say there is so much I have taken away with me. I thought that I was well versed with technology and believed that I was doing a great job of integrating it into my classroom. Now I have come to see there are many other things, and lots more tools I can be using to help better my classroom. 

I have learned all about Webquest's and the importance they can play in enriching a lesson. They are hands on for both the students and the teachers. When a lesson is hands on, students tend to be more interested and learn without even realizing that they are learning. 

My thinking has changed regarding technology use in the classroom in one big way. I have always been for integrating technology into the classroom but after this course I feel like I will be more inclined to integrating as much as possible into my class and being vocal about the importance of technology. Each teacher must know the positives that can come from technology integration and I believe if another teacher steps forward and talks about it, others are more apt to listen and change as well. I believe it is also important to make sure that students are all getting the same education when it comes to technology. Letting all students have access to a computer, printer, etc at school is important because not all students have access at home. This is something teachers need to be aware about when assigning lessons. I always hand out a list of free computer labs around the city that are open to the public so that students can complete projects using technology. 

I believe my favorite module from this term was The Online Revolution. I believe that this module was so important because we really took a look at the importance that technology plays in our lives and in our classrooms. I enjoyed that we were able to reflect on the fact that we are currently all enrolled in an online class. I think it was great to look at the positives and negatives from everyone in the class. This module for me was very informative to see what my fellow classmates felt about online learning as well. 

This class has been great for me and has really opened my eyes to just how vital integrating all kinds of technology into our classrooms is. I enjoyed my time during this course and thought all the information was well worth learning and implementing on a day to day basis.