5366+Reflection

This was, by far, my favorite class in the whole program. This was where we learned most of the "cool" stuff that I had been excited about. We created graphics, podcasts, videos, etc. That was the most fun because the work was very tangible. I really had fun creating a graphic that represented me personally, and I think that is a great activity for my peers and students. I had to consider what was important to me and how I wanted to be branded for others to see. I had think introspectively and then take my thoughts and turn it into an image, a process that was totally new to me. I felt like I created a successful logo which was my favorite activity through the whole program. The "Logomaker" site was very easy to use and allowed me a free web logo to use however I wished (Logomaker, nd.). I feel like the free online programs I used and the skills I learned will have a significant impact on my teaching and my perspective as a life-long learner. I also enjoyed creating my own animation. I think students would really benefit from the planning involved in creating an animation. To create a quality animation, students would have to really brainstorm and figure out proper sequencing and sorting through their ideas to create a final product that they are proud to present. Students must use higher order thinking skills to correctly sequence and plan movements for the animation. My newsletter was definitely not the best one ever created, but I learned how manipulate text and photos. I have a much larger appreciation for the designing and planning that is involved with creating newsletters and other items intended to capture the interest of viewers. It was actually fun to showcase some of the things going on at my school. I took all of the photos myself with the intention of publication.

I actually enjoyed completing each assignment for this course. Part of the enjoyment came from seeing an end product that I was proud of showing people. I never thought of myself as having much artistic talent, but using the free tools is an awesome way to show creativity without being an awesome illustrator, painter, or graphic designer. Seeing how much fun I had during this class, I can definitely understand the benefit of using some of these programs and activities with my 7th graders. In chapter 3 of our textbook, one of the ITSE criteria states that technology leaders should "Use methods and classroom management strategies for teaching technology concepts and skills in individual, small group, classroom, and/or lab settings" (Williamson, J. & Redish, T., 2009). I think teaching those programs and skills is definitely an excellent way to get my 7th graders using technology to get the most out of education. Our readings focused on the positives of incorporating technology into the curriculum. There will be probably be some that will never appreciate the benefit of technologies that could be seen as fun, a game, or a waste of time. Students need to be motivated and technology is probably the strongest avenue in motivating students to learn. As a campus, a huge piece of our "shared vision" is the incorporation of technology into our lessons on a regular basis (Williamson, J. & Redish, T., 2009). As I said earlier, this was definitely my favorite class and I felt like it was the class where I learned the things I really wanted to know.

References

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, Inc.

Logomaker, (nd.). Retrieved on May 1, 2011 from, []

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.