Technology integration in the 21st century is at the foundation of education in America. Since taking CEP 810, 811, and 812 I have learned about so many new technologies that I probably would have never heard of or experimented with if I had not taken these courses.
The most important thing I believe I have learned as a result of these classes has been the importance of collaboration and sharing in education. I didn't realize how one sided my classroom was. There was only communication between the students and myself. With the new tools that I have learned about (blogs, wiki's, social networks for education, Google Docs, etc.) I will be able to foster a collaborative environment in my classroom.
Learning about the TPACK was also very beneficial for me. Constantly, teachers are being bombarded with new technologies and ideas for integration. The TPACK is such a great tool to use to evaluate your lessons to see if they hit that "sweet spot." I really feel like the TPACK provides the technological foundation of lessons. It gives meaning to technology being implemented.
I was really impressed with the StAIR project we were required to complete. I was unaware of what this was. It was a benefit for me to learn about this and then to create one myself. I was very impressed with my StAIR. I plan on using it this year in my classes.
I believe I have met many of my personal goals. When thinking back to CEP 810 I had two goals in mind for my personal goals statement. The first being to learn more about Web 2.0 tools and the second being increasing my skill in technology. These two very generic goals of mine have definitely been met. I have learned more over this summer about technology than I probably have in my entire life.
As far as the future, I would like to learn about more technology tools to use in the classroom. I would like to take what I have learned and share these benefits with my colleagues. I would like to possible create a technology committee at my school that would oversee technology integration in the classroom. The technology committee would be a major resource for teachers who need assistance with technology. I have been admitted to the MAET program at MSU and look forward to the classes I will be taking. I will also definitely continue on building my personal learning network as this has been a very important tool for me as an educator since beginning the certificate courses. No longer do I have to feel isolated as the sole technology teacher in my building.
Definitely if you don't have a tech committee, there should be one formed. Many of my students now head these committees and are the go-to people. I find many of my students are winning MACUL grants and are getting tech positions. So you never know! You may be one of them some day.
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