Transcript:
In this course, I have thought more deeply about the topic of educational technology, and I have learned about more digital tools that I am excited to use. I changed my mind about the value of professional organizations. I am a member of one – CEC – Council for Exceptional Children. I maintain this membership because my employer pays for it, and I do like to read some of the articles from the journal that they send me quarterly. However, I have not seen much value in it other than that. The presentation I did on ISTE caused me to think more intentionally about how I should be utilizing the resources of the CEC. There are many current research studies, articles, videos, and links to other resources that I should be taking advantage of. I also am considering whether or not I should join ISTE as well. I was surprised by the number of resources that would be useful to me as an online instructor.
In the technology infographic assignment, I considered how social media could be used appropriately in the classroom. I believe that we should use caution, but I discovered that the benefits outweigh the negatives. Using social media platforms like SeeSaw, Edmodo, and Google Classroom is an opportunity to train young people in proper social media etiquette. Students also benefit from collaborating with peers and showcasing their work online.
I have learned from my peers on the discussion board about how they implement technology in their classrooms. I have been impressed with the creative uses of digital tools for providing instruction to students in both physical and virtual environments. I had heard of several of these tools like Nearpod, Canva, Padlet, etc., but it was very helpful to hear how other teachers are using them in their classrooms. I teach several education methods courses to undergraduates. I am excited to share these ideas with my students so they can use them in their own future classrooms. Teaching is one of those professions were copying is encouraged! I am always happy to share ideas and resources with other teachers, and I am very grateful when another teacher shares ideas and resources with me. By the way, Teacherspayteachers is one of my favorite resources! I have purchased many great resources from the teachers who sell their materials there.
A 2016 study by Schipper and Yocum found that technology (specifically the use of interactive white boards) does not necessarily increase student achievement. However, it does increase student engagement and motivation to learn. An online article about immersive learning tools by R. Poth stated, “Having access to this technology [AR, AI, VR] helps to connect students with learning in more authentic and meaningful ways, especially with some of the possibilities for students to engage with the content through the use of augmented and virtual reality tools” (2020). Educational technology is a valuable tool for educators to make learning more authentic and meaningful, which in turn, is likely to produce increased motivation and encourage lifelong learning.
Resources
Poth, R. D. (2020, April 17). 15 AR and VR immersive learning tools.
Getting Smart. https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/04/15-ar–
and-vr-immersive-learning-tools/.
Schipper, J. M., & Yocum, R. G. (2016). Interactive whiteboard
technologies in high school: A comparison of their impact on
the levels of measure that determine a return on investment.
Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 44 (4), 377–403.