1. What have you learned in this class? What are your major takeaways?
I have learned that there are so many different ways to use technology to teach students. These many methods make it easy for me as a teacher to differentiate for the students. Technology can also make my life easier for grading and the other organizational aspects of teaching that do not come naturally to me. I also learned what a flipped classroom is, and I have become quite excited to try this method out as a teacher.
2. How has your attitude toward educational technology changed, if at all? Why?
There is really one place where my attitude toward educational technology has shifted. I used to be adamant against students having phones in class. Now I can see some of the benefits of having those there, on both an educational and a managerial level. I think it would be good to have students put their phones on their desks where I can always see them, and give them opportunities to use them in class, whether it is to look something up or to participate in an online survey. I think it would build trust for me from the students, because they will know that I understand that phones can be a useful tool, as well as a distraction. I think there is a balance there that I had not realized before.
3. How will you and your students use technology to improve instruction and learning? Provide a few specific examples. Why will you use technology in these ways?
I love doing video and audio projects, and I cannot wait to use some of the tools from this class to help students learn in an exciting. I think a historical documentary, for example, is a way more fun alternative to a paper. True, they do need to learn how to write a decent paper, but I think they can learn to express their ideas in other formats that are often more applicable to their futures. I would also like to set up some sort of continuing class podcast or blog. I think that would be an easy way to build class community and to check on student learning.
4. How might I improve this class for future students so that it is more meaningful?
4. How might I improve this class for future students so that it is more meaningful?
I am honestly struggling to answer this question. This was my favorite class this term; I had so much fun and I learned a ton. I think the webquest makes a better key assignment than the digital story, so that would probably be my biggest complaint.
