Reflection 2.0

Throughout my experience in the Michigan State University Educational Technology Certificate program I have found new and exciting ways to incorporate technology into my classroom. There are many ways to effectively utilize technology. Cooperative learning/collaboration is a key element to working with technology. I have always been a big believer in cooperative learning and believe that when using technology it is important to share ideas and knowledge. Student learning is more enhanced when students are able to discover knowledge on their own or in groups. When information is gathered by the student instead of given by the teacher learning is deeper and more meaningful.

Web based technologies enhance learning in the classroom. Collaboration, real life connections, and study skills are all results of web based instruction. The techquest projects we have done, have proven that web based technologies increase student achievement. I hope more teachers use web based technologies in their classrooms.

I have learned a great deal about technology integration. I wanted to gain student interest in the classroom by integrating technology. I believe that this program has given me many tools to use in a classroom and I look forward to the day when I can use them in my classroom. I am excited to continue on in the Masters program and learning more ways to integrate technology. I hope to one day soon be in a classroom where I can use all my new knowledge to create lifelong learners.

Techquest: Project Evaluation

Throughout this techquest project, I have been searching for ways to connect classroom material to the real world. I have found many great resources that I plan to use in my future classrooms. I wasn't able to implement this project, but if I had I believe my students would have benefited from the experience. Making connections with other cultures, places, and people is a priority in the social studies classroom. Using a site like epals.com, can create a classroom community in which students have more respect for other people. This in turn creates teachable moments and turns students into lifelong learners. I hope to be able to utilize these tools in my classroom.

A project like this one gives students a deeper look into the world. As a student who has had extraordinary teachers, I remember those special lessons and I strongly believe that students in my classroom who experience this lesson would remember it for a very long time. Once I am able to implement this lesson or one like it, I will be able to see where modifications and adjustments need to be made. For now I can say that a project like this one is a lesson in life. A project like this one is what I had in mind when I began my research. I can't wait to have a classroom of my own where students can connect with other students from around the world.