Final Reflection

In my Personal Theory of Learning application, I stated that I base my teaching style of the fact that not all children learn using the same methods. I mentioned that it takes observation and practice to understand one’s students. I notice that students will work harder for a me when I show them the mutual respect that I expect from them. A lot also has to do with learning environment and management of the classroom. I also feel very strongly about integrating as much technology into my instruction as possible. I am not sure that I need to modify this statement, rather make sure that I carry it out and follow my beliefs when the school year begins in a few weeks. Since this class was taken during the summer, I feel like I have learned so much valuable information that I will definitely use in the up coming school year.

Being that I am the head of the Technology Professional Learning Team in my school, I use a lot of the most up-to-date technology in my classroom. I am part of multiple grants that offer me equipment to test in the classroom. My principal and I are always meeting about the latest tools. Although I have a lot of equipment, I definitely plan on using the Concept Map Tools program that I downloaded as well as the Voice Thread. I love exploring the Internet and finding valuable tools that can support my students. At first, it was blogs and wikis, as well as moodles and the eZine. I feel that students will be able to navigate the Voice Thread very easily since I teach my students how to use PowerPoint. It is very similar, but gives them variety in how to present work. The concept maps are great graphic organizers. I have four computers and 10 lap tops and I plan on downloading the Cmap Tools program that I used during this course so that they can create their own.

Two long term goals that I have is to make sure that I bring more hands on technology into my classroom and to make it accessible to the students. I do have a lot of experience with the tools so I am confident in my delivery. What I am lacking are resources that are available to the students. A lot of the equipment I have in my room is more teacher friendly than student friendly. By using programs like Voice Thread or the concept maps, I now put more 21st century skills into their hands. I plan on exploring further than that so that I can come up with a plethora of student friendly programs. I also want to explore more options in bringing equipment into my classroom. I plan on doing this by going onto sites such as Donors Choose and raising money for my classroom to be a 21st century learning environment.

VoiceThread

Here is the link to my VoiceTheard about the importance of parents reading aloud to their children at home.

voicethread.com/share/1262063/