CEP 811 Final Reflection

Integrating technology can be a great asset to any classroom. Of course, this works best with certain teaching strategies. When utilizing the internet, interactive whiteboards, or other forms of technology I have learned that acting as a "guide on the side" works best for me. Students need to be able to take control of their learning. This can be applied to technology as well. Giving my students the opportunity to click the mouse, and write on the SmartBoard makes for a more engaging classroom and quality student learning.

In using different web-based technologies, I have realized how vital these are to the classroom. Webquests and even certain internet sites can enhance the classroom in ways text will never be able to. StAIRs are absolutely amazing resources. They give students an opportunity to work independently and at their own pace, while using technology. I could stand in front of the board and lecture on all of the content I put in my StAIR, but who wants to learn that way? These are a great way to differentiate material for students, and provided them with thought-provoking, engaging activities.

I have met my personal goals for technology as I completed the projects for this class. I have been able to broaden my horizons in different aspects of technology, while growing as a teacher and professional. In the future I look to further expand my knowledge base in interactive whiteboards. As of now, I know the basics, and get by with those. However, I would like to give my students more, and really use the tool to its fullest. Also, it is a goal of mine to make a few changes to my StAIR project in order to further enhance the quality. This includes adjusting volume levels, adding narration and possibly a few more real-life images. Then, I would like to work it into my lessons before the end of the school year. We have already covered the content in the StAIR, so I think it could be a fun review for my students to do. Plus, I will be able to re-test them and see how much they actually remember.