Reflection

 

Reflection

 

I learned from this course that technology is an important tool to have in the classroom. Technology helps teachers to plan instruction that closes the gaps and helps students to be prepared to participate as a member in our society. If they know how to use technology in the classroom, they will be able to use technology in their jobs in the future. I also learned that technology gives motivation to students, when students can play math games or science games, they feel excited to learn about math and science, for example. When students are motivated, they learn and participate more in classroom activities. Studies found that the benefits of technology integration include motivation to learn, autonomy and inspiration (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019).

And I learned that thanks to technology teachers can collect more specific data from their students. Today teacher’s student performance data is more accurate and meet specific needs of the students (Kushan, 2016).  Moreover, I was challenged to complete assignments such as the web-based and technology lesson demonstration because I had to learn about the websites first and then explain how to use them. This course changed me because now I am willing to research different tools and use with my students, making comic strips and using the WeVideo are two things that I will always use with my students if I teach second or third grade for example. I really enjoyed this course, my classmates and Dr. Booker.

 

 

 

References

Kurshan, B. (2016). Technology and classroom data. Forbes.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/barbarakurshan/2016/07/26/technology-and-classroom-data/?sh=50fce8352039

Roblyer, M. & Hughes, J. (2019). Integrating Educational Technology into teaching: Transforming learning across disciplines. Pearson.

 

Assistive Technology

 

 

All students that I work with have an iPad. If a student has a learning disability, they are allowed to use their devices at their own pace. Everyone has access to the same website and the same tools. The author stated that sometimes access is denied to individuals with disabilities because they are prevented from accessing the information that is available to their peers who do not have special needs (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019). I try to include all students into activities, and they all participate in the same activities together.

Assistive technology is any item or equipment that improve functional capabilities of individuals with special needs (Scarborough, 2020). I worked with special needs students before, and I remember that had a boy who was nonverbal. So, he had a device that talked for him for example.  Every time he pressed a key, this talker device would reproduce what he wanted. So, if he wanted to play, he would press a key that said play and another key that said ball. So, the talker would say “play ball”. This is how I communicated with him.

 

 

 

References

Roblyer, M. & Hughes, J. (2019). Integrating Educational Technology into teaching:

Transforming learning across disciplines. Pearson.

Scarborough, C. (2020). Assistive technology in the classroom. Teach Hub.

https://www.teachhub.com/technology-in-the-classroom/2020/09/assistive-technology-in-the-classroom/

 

Web-Based Assessment

 

Technology Lesson Demonstration

 https://vimeo.com/719428855/4bf8d27b03

Gaming

Gaming

I believe that the benefits of gaming in the classroom is that it helps students learn more, because students feel motivated to learn. If students have interest, then they will learn. Also, they feel confident and want to complete the activities. It helps them with self-esteem, language, and problem-solving skills. The authors said that there are a variety of software that helps teachers and parents to introduce quality learning material (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019). I see that because of games, students feel that they can do hard work that was impossible in the past. I also think that games help them to work as a team, they want to share their accomplishments with others and ask others for help.

          As for challenges, I think that when students are engaged with gaming, they do not want to do other activities that do not include games. They have a hard time to disconnect from the game and start next activities. Games should be used just for instruction. Research has found that games are not substitutes for other types of learning (Nguyen, 2021). So, gaming should be incorporated into lessons if they are relevant for learning objectives. As a strategy I use, is that students cannot have the iPad for more than 20 minutes. I think that students should have gaming in the classroom for a short period of time. So, they do not have too much time to be super engaged.

 

 

References

Nguyen, H. (2021). How to Use Gameplay to Enhance Classroom Learning. Edutopia.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-use-gameplay-enhance-classroom-learning

Roblyer, M. & Hughes, J. (2019). Integrating Educational Technology into teaching: Transforming learning across disciplines. Pearson.

 

Professional Development Presentation

 https://1drv.ms/p/s!AnfMq-XyDpqQoVMX1cgdsXfE8UXV?e=2U4Yo1

Data Collection

So, what we do is that we tell the students to place each graded activity inside of a box. I labeled the box as “Graded Activities”. So, they know when something will be graded, and once they finish, they place activities, assignments, or assessments in the box. I talk to the students and ask them their opinion if they liked the activity. The author suggested to analyze lesson results and impact (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019, p. 100). Also, each student has a binder for all graded activities. Once I grade all activities, I put in their binder.

We also have information about the students, things they are on track and things they need to improve. And then, in the end of the school year the students can take this binder home. I also have a notebook where I write notes and sticky notes about things that I need to check on a student, or if I need to call someone or if I need something for a lesson plan. Moreover, I use all the data for their report cards or when we have meetings to talk about a specific student. At the beginning of the school year, I used to tell students to place activities on my desk, but I lost some graded activities and then I found that the box is useful because I keep assignments secure.

 

 

 

Reference

Roblyer, M. & Hughes, J. (2019). Integrating Educational Technology into teaching: Transforming learning across disciplines. Pearson.