Reflective Paper

Summary Reflective Paper

During this class, I have learned many things about educational technology. The biggest thing I have learned is simply how to use several different types of software. I am so excited about the things I have learned how to do, and I can’t wait to put that knowledge to use. My hope is that, eventually, I will move from the familiarization phase of technology adoption to the evolution phase.

As a teacher, I will face certain challenges as I move from the familiarization level to higher levels of technology usage. One of the biggest challenges that I can predict is the lack of access to technology. In order for me to use technology in a student-centered environment, adequate technology must be available. For example, in order for students to be able to complete webquests, there must be enough computers for individual use or small group work. This is not the case in many classrooms.

Another challenge is that the outcome of student-centered learning is not always easy to grade. Time restraints make it tempting to give work that requires less time to grade. Although many parents want their children using higher thought processes, they too, like to see many graded papers that let them know exactly “where their child stands.”

After completing this course, I have improved in so many areas. Although most of the software we used was new to me, I feel much more proficient at my ability to use it. PowerPoint and Movie Maker are fun to use and are probably my favorites. Although Audacity seemed difficult at first, I believe that I can use it fairly easily now. I even feel like I have greatly improved my spreadsheet skills. Although I am not as confident about embedding audio or video into a web page, I definitely feel comfortable creating a web page in Dreamweaver. This is something with which I would like to have more practice, though.

The material taught in this class is so relevant and useful for teachers. I am more motivated than ever to put this information to use. As I do, I will continue to work toward reaching the evolution phase of technology adoption.

Week of April 22

Wikis

After reading the link about wikis, I really don't have any better idea of what they are than I did when I started. I remember being confused about these after reading one of the earliest reading assignments in the class. I understand that the word means quick, but that is about all I get.

Overall, this class has been great. I feel so much more confident in my knowledge of technology than when I started. Dr. Dean, you have been very approachable and very helpful. Thank you!

Week of April 15

Spreadsheets

I have used spreadsheets to average grades in the classroom. Once the spreadsheet is set up with appropriate formulas, it is an invaluable tool. I especially like that I can easily provide students with their current average at any time. Even though I have used Excel for a gradebook, I still learned several helpful things while completing the exercises. Being able to highlight grades below a particular range is very nice. I also like the "fill" command when copying formulas.

The link provided this week included some interesting websites. There were several lesson plans that will be helpful for use with elementary students. Since lessons involving technology are now required, these links will give me some good ideas to implement within the classroom.

Week of April 7

Web Pages

At school today, I asked about the program used to create the school's web page. DreamWeaver is the software that is used, but it is only available on one computer in the school. I am so excited about being able to create my own web page, but I find it very discouraging to have such limited access to the software. Schools want teachers to integrate technology into the classroom, but funding is not always available to make this very practical.

The school's web page was created in frames. Each teacher's name is listed under their appropriate grade. It would be very simple to link from the teacher's name to their class web page. The class web page could be targeted to display in the main frame.

Week of April 1

Web Pages

In the process of trying to create my own web pages, I discovered a misconception that I had. I wanted to create my web pages in framesets. It seemed like I should create all three pages in framesets and just make the mainframe different on each page. After I created the first two pages, I realized why I couldn't do this. Now I realize that I should only make the first page in framesets and just make the mainframe be the target for the subsequent pages.

I am so excited about learning how to create my own web page. Very few teachers that I know have their own web page, and I think it is such a helpful tool. I am wondering, though, what type of problems I might run into by posting such things online as photographs of the children. I think I need to do some research and take a look at more web pages created by teachers in order to get some helpful ideas.