Blog Phase 3: Final Comprehensive Reflection!!!!!!!

Throughout this semester, I’ve learned a great deal on how to successfully and meaningfully integrate technology in my future classroom.  I’ve gained the much-needed experience of planning and implementing three lessons while incorporating a variety of technology across different subject areas. I made sure to keep in mind the four ISTE NET’s standards while planning these lessons in the following ways..

Standard 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

I addressed the first standard throughout my lessons by providing plenty of opportunities for student to engage with technology in different ways. My lessons were student-centered and allowed time for students to demonstrate their understanding of the content in their own unique ways.  My lessons also had students researching real-world issues such as acid rain and pollution. The students used different websites, videos, and online activities to become educated on these issues, while also researching how to help prevent them in their communities. In addition to these goals, I focused on students having the time to reflect on their learning with peers. I offered this valuable experience by having students collaborate with one another throughout the lessons. I encouraged the students to discuss their findings and opinions with their classmates and myself. In doing this, students will gain a much deeper and more meaningful understanding of the content.

Standard 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

The second standard was addressed throughout my lessons by incorporating different technologies to assist student engagement, assessment, and learning. For example, I made sure to provide a form of assessment online for all three lessons. I had student’s complete games and quizzes that provided them with feedback on how they were performing. This exposed students to educational activities, while allowing them to have fun and self-assess their own progress. I’ve learned this process is very important for students in their learning. In doing this, students are taking ownership and responsibility of their understanding and successfulness of the topic. In addition, I tried my best to address all different learning styles while planning my lessons by promoting student choice in a controlled setting. For example, students were able to choose different activities on the computer, whether they wanted to work with classmates or alone, and also how they wanted to demonstrate their understanding of the content. Addressing students diverse and ever-changing needs in the classroom is something I’ve learned to prioritize in my future planning process. I’ve also learned the importance of formative and summative assessment during this semester. I’m now much more aware how online resources can assist in my formative and summative assessment. For example, online activities and quizzes were able to record the student’s scores and save them for my assessment data. This data showed how the students were progressing, while also informing my future instruction.

Standard 3: Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Students researching the different topics, taking notes on the new information, and completing activities with their new knowledge addressed the third standard during my lessons. For example, students were asked to create a proposal with Pixie on how to prevent oil spills in my third lesson. In doing this, students had to use computers to locate, analyze, and evaluate new information while completing this project. Students were also asked to present their proposal to the class using an iPad. I was not able to practice communicating with parents and community members using digital tools, but I am aware of how important it is in my future classroom. I plan to create a class blog in my future classroom to keep in constant contact with parents, colleagues, and community members. This website will keep everyone up to date on what is happening in my classroom such as what we’re learning, fieldtrips, and important dates/deadlines. I’d also like to have students involved by adding their own content to the website. This will create a positive and connected environment for everyone involved in my future classroom.

Standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

The fourth standard was addressed in a variety of ways throughout my three lessons. For example, I tried my best to address the diverse needs of different learners while incorporating the different technologies. I did this by focusing my instruction and activities planned around student choice and ability. In addition, I made sure to explain and model digital etiquette and responsible use of the different technologies. However, I plan to address this standard even further in my future classroom. For example, I plan to teach safe, legal, and ethical use of all digital use before students begin working with the technology. I also plan to have the students sign a contract on their understanding on the different components digital citizenship and responsibility. Also, I plan to address cultural understanding and global awareness with the use of digital-age communication and collaboration tools. As I stated above, I would love to create a classroom website/blog to have students and colleagues contribute and communicate with one another. More specifically, I’d love set up digital pen pals for my future students. This will offer invaluable insight and experience for students to be in communication with other students in different areas of the world. 

Thanks for the great semester Shadow!!! You're awesome!!! :)