This was a great course to begin the program with. I was able to review a variety of technology tools and compile a list of resources that I can’t wait to share with my colleagues. Our course began with detailing the T-PACK tutorial, Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge, which was very descriptive. It gave me a great understanding of how technology works in conjunction with both pedagogical knowledge and content knowledge. Another area that was very helpful was the LoTi framework and the engaged learning indicators. The LoTi framework is going to really help me in determining how well technology is being used in my classroom. For example, is this project just awareness, exploration, infusion, or integration? This is also an area that I am still working on. Sometimes it was difficult for me to determine if an assignment should have a higher LoTi score or a lower one. In my opinion, I believe that I let my opinion of the project cloud my judgment, but I’m still learning. The engaged learning indicators will help me understand which elements are present in these technology projects and which need to be included. This knowledge is directly related to the PSC/ISTE NETS-C standard 2. This standard references the teaching, learning, and assessment, which describes how these resources are going to directly impact our students learning.
One indicator that I realized that needs to be in each project is the authentic/meaningful indicator. Without this indicator it is unclear if your students really understand why they are completing this project. Why is this project important to them? Why should they care? Who is going to benefit from the completion of this project? This was an indicator that I struggled with during my final EL project, but by adding collaboration and changing my technology project I was able to show my students why this project was important to them. Another aspect of technology that I learned about was understanding the difference between online projects and publishing and productivity tools. Both of these tools can be used to produce projects using technology, foster creativity and higher level thinking skills. The difference between the two is online projects and publishing can provide content, but productivity tools cannot. Productivity tools can make our work easier and help create projects.
Understanding the difference between these two can have a tremendous impact on how we use these resources. This will go right along with the PSC/ISTE NETS-C standards 3.3 and 3.6. These two standards are centered on online and blended learning and selecting & evaluating digital tools and resources. I know as the year progresses that I will be helping my colleagues make these technology choices that are suitable for their classes. I am really excited about this opportunity to share with my colleagues what I am learning in my courses. Having an open mind and a full understanding of the standards will definitely help me become an invaluable resource at my school.
One indicator that I realized that needs to be in each project is the authentic/meaningful indicator. Without this indicator it is unclear if your students really understand why they are completing this project. Why is this project important to them? Why should they care? Who is going to benefit from the completion of this project? This was an indicator that I struggled with during my final EL project, but by adding collaboration and changing my technology project I was able to show my students why this project was important to them. Another aspect of technology that I learned about was understanding the difference between online projects and publishing and productivity tools. Both of these tools can be used to produce projects using technology, foster creativity and higher level thinking skills. The difference between the two is online projects and publishing can provide content, but productivity tools cannot. Productivity tools can make our work easier and help create projects.
Understanding the difference between these two can have a tremendous impact on how we use these resources. This will go right along with the PSC/ISTE NETS-C standards 3.3 and 3.6. These two standards are centered on online and blended learning and selecting & evaluating digital tools and resources. I know as the year progresses that I will be helping my colleagues make these technology choices that are suitable for their classes. I am really excited about this opportunity to share with my colleagues what I am learning in my courses. Having an open mind and a full understanding of the standards will definitely help me become an invaluable resource at my school.