Phase 3

My understanding of the Technology and Global Citizenship Standards, different from the standards I have studied for the past 2 years, was limited when I began this class.  These Technology Standards include:

Standard 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
            Standard 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
            Standard 3: Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
            Standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

As the semester progressed, I have realized that the students’ learning is a priority when designing lesson plans.  Thorough planning is key to a successful learning experience.  Content may be unfamiliar as a new teacher, but careful planning, varied learning techniques, and differentiated assessments will help facilitate understanding and personal connections for each student.  Using technology as an attention-getter, a tool for modeling, a way for students to expand their understanding, and as a learning tool can assist students develop their learning in a familiar learning environment.  Today, students have more access to technology than in previous years and has become integral in their lives.  As a teacher, it is important to incorporate this advancing tool into the student’s learning.  It supports individual learning and encourages collaborative group work making assignments accessible to many students.  Using programs such Glogster allows students to be creative as they independently assess their own learning.  It will also be important to promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility by teaching and repeating rules that keep the environment safe and productive.  These rules will include proper websites usage, responsible use of information from web materials, and proper social etiquette to discourage cyber-bullying and improper behavior.

Students’ understanding increases with technology that engages students with visual and hands-on learning.  Games that can connect learning with understanding encourages struggling students and also gives excelling students an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills such as applying a concept to a personal project or reflecting in a writing assignment what has been learned. Technology mixes auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning to provide varied options for progressing learners. 

My peers gave fresh perspective while collaborating many ideas for team lessons. When working in groups, it is important to realize that each individual needs to communicate in a positive manner ideas so that as a group, ideas are carefully considered for a complete project. Each person has a different work ethic as well as a different approach based on individual experiences.  These qualities add to a positive experience when collaborating on a group lesson.  There needs to be an attitude of cooperation, adaptation, enthusiasm, and compromise when creating an innovative lesson that will appeal to all types of learners.  Within a group, lessons need to contain detailed directions, alignment between the standards, objectives, and formative assessments, and creative techniques to engage each student.  Feedback, both positive and ‘changes’ becomes important as a teacher reflects on the impact the lesson had on his/her students and the connections that were made. 

As a future teacher and life-long learner, I am excited to incorporate technology within my lesson content.  Most students have interacted with computers, smart phones, or tablets by the time they begin their schooling.  Technology incorporated into the classroom via reading, writing, and extensions in other subjects will engage the students in their learning.  With websites such as Weebly and Blogger, I can connect and interact with not only my students, but also with their parents and caregivers.  I look forward to using technology in my classroom to enable my students to have a positive and exciting learning experience.