Reflection

What did you learn or “take-away” from this course and how has your perspective about integrating technology into K to 6 education changed/grown throughout the course?

This course taught me that technology can be used in many different ways to achieve students' learning goals. It is also a great way to have students use technology to learn many other subjects and explore it in different ways that never thought of before. During the time of COVID-19, we are using technology anyway as a primary resource of education. Might as well use it to let our students explore the different ways of learning.

How did this course help you answer your “burning” question about the use of digital technologies in K to 6 education?

At the beginning of the semester, I wondered if a blog is the same as PLP. At this point, I can say that my burning question has been answered, and the answer is no. Blogger is a great website for teachers to communicate their ideas, thoughts, and any informal posts. Blogger is known around the education community to be used to inform parents and students of lessons thought in the classroom. I would definitely use blogger in the future for easy, clear communication with the parents.

How did you contribute to the learning of others? What did you learn from others?

The environment of this lesson was super comfortable. I was able to share my ideas and suggestions at any time. We helped each other by sharing resources and ways to use technology. Also, having a constructive friend was super helpful. We checked each other’s links and posts. My constructive friend always suggested ways to improve my posts. Also, I have learned a lot by going through friends’ works. 

Digitally Connecting with Nature

I have found the perfect application that will encourage students to be outside while using digital technology.

Technology is a huge part of our daily life. Also, students are spending less time outside. As a teacher, I wanted to create a lesson where students can use technology to help them discover the natural world. Here is my integrated science technology lesson plan.

This lesson plan can be used for different science units, such as Wetland Ecosystems, Animal Life Cycles,  Trees and Forests, and much more. The application is great to get students outside and shares their observations with the community. Students can comment on each other's observations which could also be helpful to use it as peer-assessment. 

Virtual Field Trip In Turkey

Please come with me to visit Turkey using this virtual field trip. I had so much fun creating this virtual field trip because it brought back so many good memories. 

Elementary students can you this resource to create their own virtual field trip. This could be a great assignment for students to share their hometown on school culture day. 

Also, it could be used if students are doing science research about different kinds of forests. Students would create a scene about the rainforest for example, and list points of interests such as plants, animals and shelters. 

Another way to use a virtual field trip is to learn about indigenous territories. This will be a great resource to show students the lands and highlight points of interest. 

Creation App Lesson Plan

 

The Sign Me ABCs is an application tool for young people with and without disabilities. It is a great app to establish and integrate sign language into the classroom. There are many ways to use this app in kindergarten and grade one classes.

The students have not used a similar app, therefore that was the highlight teaching this lesson. Students were interested to learn more about Sign Me ABSs. Also, students were engaged and shared an animal they have learned in sign language.

Here are some ways for you to integrate this app into your classroom:

• Alphabet lesson

• Learning about animals

• Students can explore the app during centers 

• Print some of the images used in the app and hang them around the classroom. 

Please check the lesson plan for more information.  

Digital Story

 This digital story was created to share a brief history of the treaties and agreements that led to the creation of Tsuut'ina. Also, there are information about Tsuut’ina Middle School and lessons learned for my future professional teaching practice. Please click here to watch my digital story.

TWITTER

Please follow me on Twitter where I will be posting education-related tweets. Twitter will be a great platform for my professional development. Also, to expand my relationships with educators, parents, schools and educational accounts. I will be posting important educational resources that teachers and parents can use to enhance students' learning. Also, I will be updating my followers on different assignments and activities used in the classroom. 

Stay tuned. 

GOALS, EXPERIENCES, AND QUESTIONS

Personal Learning Goals 

Professional Responsibility - to demonstrates deep thinking through seminar responses, lesson critiques, and journal reflections
Planning for Learning - to analyzes resources (e.g. programs of study, teaching materials, textbooks) and considers current issues to select appropriate teaching strategies and design relevant learning experiences
Facilitating Learning - integrates digital technology and resources, as appropriate, to build student capacity
Assessment - use varied and relevant assessments to identify learner needs and adjust instruction; includes varied ways of addressing misunderstandings
Environment -  use appropriate universal and targeted strategies and supports to address students’ strengths, learning challenges and areas for growth

Previous Educational Technology Experience

In the previous semester, I have created videos to help demonstrate some activities. I also have some experience in photo and video editing as well as using a professional digital camera. I am comfortable working with tablets, computers, laptops, and SmartBoards. During my time in field placement and in education courses, I've been introduced to apps and websites that are helpful for in-class activities, assessments, and other educational purposes.

I believe my previous technology experience will help me a lot to integrate technology into the classroom. 

Burning Question

Some educators support the use of technology in the classroom and some don't. I believe technology has brought many important resources to share with students. My question, what is the appropriate amount use of technology in the classroom? And what are the different technology resources that can be used to enhance student learning.?

This question is important to me because I want to use technology to boost student learning not to harm it.