Reflection

Integrating technology across different content areas can seem like a daunting task, and to the teacher yet to explore the world of educational technology; integrating technology into a singular curriculum or lesson can be equally as daunting. Exposure, education, and experience are the key to minimizing any apprehension with integrating technology into your classroom. Whether it is influenced by initiatives set by our government (www.ed.gov/technology/netp-2010) or private organizations (www.gatesfoundation.org/college-ready-education/Pages/next-generation-classroom-technology.aspx), more and more teachers are realizing the benefits of integrating technology into their classrooms.

“It’s amazing how much a learning environment can change when technology is added to the mix! While technology is not essential to creating authentic, learner-centered instruction, it offers a powerful resource for engaging students in authentic experiences, typically increasing both their motivation and their learning” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). With resources like the GAME (Goals, Action, Monitor, Evaluate and Extend) plan available to assist teachers with implementing various technology tools, integrating technology into the classroom becomes less stressful. I will be able to use the GAME plan, along with my other strategies, to assist my seniors and sub-seniors with staying on track for graduation. With a longer range perspective, I will also be able to use it with my underclassmen. All students can set goals such as making certain grades for a quarter or having a certain GPA. The Action would be doing homework, taking notes, and going to study sessions in order to make the grades. The Monitoring would be the feedback received from the teacher and grades on particular assignments. The Evaluation and Extend would be the report card and making adjustments based on the report card. All of this information can be kept on a spreadsheet in Microsoft excel. With the strides made in the field of educational technology, teachers can be confident that there is a technology tool available to compliment every content area and all curriculums out there today.

My new learning over the course of this class has been profound. I relate it to a child waking up on Christmas and not knowing what gift to open first. There were so many interesting and engaging topics addressed, from promoting self-directed learners to digital storytelling; All of which, in one way or another, possessing the ability to enhance most if not all curriculum. I say “possessing” because the ownership still lies with the teacher to first have the classroom management skills which produce an environment to introduce new things effectively, and then have the knowledge of the different technology tools available and know which ones would complement his or her teaching style, the curriculum, and the learning styles of the students. I look forward to utilizing my new knowledge and sharing it with my professional communities.

Reference

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P., (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning.