End of Semester Reflection

I cannot believe that it is the end of the semester! It feels like we only just began (and yes, I not have Karen Carpenter going through my head). I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. I have learned so much about technology, teaching, and life in general. Thanks to this course I am significantly less overwhelmed (still overwhelmed, but not as much) now about having to integrate technology into my classroom and teaching. I am actually excited to do so. This class has showed the benefits of integrating technology into the classroom. Using technology in your teaching increases student learning and participation. What I learned in this course will not only help me when I am in the classroom, but they will also help me as I am finishing school and throughout the reset of my life outside of the classroom. Thanks Prof. Sorenson for a great semester!

Reflection #10

What exactly is technology? When I think of technology, computer and such come to mind. Is it more, though. Of course it is. In our Instructional Design Microteaching we must you at least one form of technology. Prof. Garrett gave us a list of technological devices; the whiteboard was included in the list. I was surprised to see it on the list. I do not view the whiteboard as a technological device, but I guess it is. After thinking over this, technology, in my opinion is anything that makes life in general more efficient; it is anything we humans have invented. The computer, the TV, the car, the typewriter, the pencil, the wheel are all technological devices. I feel like I am rambling, perhaps I am, but I just thought I would record my thoughts on the matter. To others, this may seem like common sense, again, perhaps it is, but it is something I had to think about it. Enjoy my thoughts - I hope I don't bore you!

Reflection #9

I really enjoyed learning about the different forms of technology through other's technology project presentations. Even though we have gone over all the information and programs before, seeing actual examples of them made by us was quite beneficial. I especially enjoyed Cathy's presentation about the movie. After seeing her sample movie I see how simple (I use this word somewhat loosely) it can be for students to make a video as a unit project, a book report, learning progress report, etc. no matter what grade level. A video project can be made more difficult with more requirements for older grades and rather simple for younger grades. Thanks Cathy for presenting your project! I am so excited to use this form a technology in my classroom one day!

Reflection #8

I love being in class with other people! You all have such great ideas, ones that I would never think of. This is why the classroom set up an environment is beneficial and should always be an option. I think that online classes take away from that human interaction that is key to learning. I know for me, if I was taking all the classes I am currently in now, I would not learn as much. The presentations other students give, the comments they share, the critiques (both positive and constructive) are so incredibly helpful. All this would be lost, at least for me, if I took all online classes. I do see the benefits (few) of online schooling, but I do not think that it should ever replace the actual classroom, never ever never! : )

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Reflection #7

I visited my classroom that I will be student teaching in last week to get to know my CT better. She is great! I know I will learn a lot this coming year. One thing she showed me was a type of literacy test/evaluation for students who struggle in reading. The evaluation is done on a palm pilot. The student reads a selected text and that same text appears on the palm pilot which the teacher has. Every time a student misses a word, says it incorrectly or asks for assistance the teacher can touch the word on the screen and it is highlighted. The palm pilot program also keeps track of how many words per minute the student is reading. When the evaluation in over, the teacher transfer the information from the palm to the computer. It is all there, from the whole year. The program keeps track of the student's progress in the form of charts and graphs. This is great to be able to show parents their child's improvement or their child's lack of improvement. It is concrete information. I had the opportunity to view the evaluation of one ELL student. He was new at the school in the beginning of the year and had just moved from Japan. He did not know any English. At the beginning of the year, my CT said he was reading less than 5 words per minute. This time, he read 113 words per minute (The benchmark for 2nd graders is 90 words per minute). What an improvement! The evaluation looks at fluency and comprehension. Another student was still struggling very much in reading. He is reading 9 words per minute (This student is not ELL and does not have a learning disability, but social/behavioral issues). My CT was meeting with his mother after school. She had all the print offs of charts and graphs ready to show the mother. This program is great for meeting with parents because like I said before, it is concrete information, it is not an opinion. I am looking forward to using this program in the fall!