Final Reflection: EDUC-6715I-3 New and Emerging Technologies

After completing this particular course, I have gained a better understanding on ways to implement new technology with my students and introduce new ideas to my staff. Previously, I struggled in terms of finding engaging ways to assist my staff with new technologies and designing presentation ideas which generate excitement and eliminate fear. While many of my coworkers are eager to begin integrating new technologies, a handful are still comfortable doing what they have done for years. I am excited to begin the challenge of teaching my staff new ways to introduce technology into their classrooms and provide support when needed to alleviate frustration.

My final project for this course discussed the usage of Xtranormal instead of PowerPoint and Word. I have found this technology to be quite useful and look forward to creating projects utilizing this form of communication. This assignment has given me an opportunity to integrate new technology in place of old, to teach meaningful lessons that my students will enjoy and embrace.

In terms of staying current with new technology, I have already subscribed to several RSS feeds that have useful information relating to technology and education. This information will allow me to see ideas that are being used by other teachers and contribute my own after trial and error lessons. I have also created an online blog for all physical education teachers in my district to share technology ideas and post questions and suggestions for use in the classroom. I look forward to working with my colleagues to create a network of ideas that will allow us to create the best possible learning environment for our students in the 21st century. Finally, I plan to attend two workshops over the summer that will give me ideas to present to my staff in terms of using technology in their classrooms. One of which involves using iPods and iPads in the every day classroom, and the benefits that this type of technology can have for all of our students. I am grateful for education that I have received over the last year and a half and am excited and enthusiastic to implement these new ideas with my students and staff!

Moodle and The Benefits

EDUC-6715I-3 New and Emerging Technologies

Please take a moment to look at my presentation on Moodle. This technology has many benefits in the classroom for both teachers and students. I found this information to be very useful and look forward to creating a Moodle account in the near future!


http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/6365001/

EDUC-6714I-5 Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology: Reflection

Over the past eight weeks, I have had the opportunity to learn about Differentiated Instruction, Universal Design for Learning and participate in a Differentiation Station social network group. This course has allowed me to gain a tremendous amount of useful information that can easily be applied to the physical education classroom. I learned that differentiated instruction (DI) is a concept that allows teachers to convey information by using one solid set of goals with different support systems and avenues (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). DI does not require a different plan for each student but rather provides an opportunity for the teacher to find the "zone" of learning for each student. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a strategy that builds in maximum flexibility while providing alternatives so that every child can benefit from a classroom lesson plan (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). UDL builds creativity into curricular materials and provides many options for both the student and teacher.

I have already started to make adjustments to my classroom procedures and lessons based on my new knowledge of DI and UDL. I have increased the amount and variety of technology in my classroom ranging from more opportunities with ActiVotes to utilizing Polar Heart Rate monitors and Nutrition-based computer software. While I have always made a conscious effort to incorporate technology into my classroom, I now understand the benefits that minor adjustments can make based on the specific learning style or learning preference of a student. For example, changing the font size or color of text, offering flexibility with content displays and creating a series of step by step cues for students to follow related to the daily objective.

Regardless of the topic, it is important for me to make an effort to get to know my students and their preferences when it comes to learning. This will allow me to design my lessons to meet the needs of all learners, an provide maximum opportunities to integrate technology into my content area. I plan on using one of the age appropriate surveys in the beginning of the next school year to gain and better understanding of my students' needs and create a spreadsheet using Excel to easily organize student data. This spreadsheet will make planning lessons easier and will allow me to keep track of data and use it from year to year.

I have truly enjoyed this class and feel much more confident in terms of using DI and UDL in my classroom. I recently shared my UDL presentation with our faculty and received a tremendous amount of support and interest is terms of using these concepts in the classroom. We have created a focus group that will meet once a month beginning in March to share ideas related to these topics and begin to discuss ways to improve student learning and technology use. I look forward to leading this group and feel that it will be very beneficial for our school, students, parents and community.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.