Incorporating technology for technology sake is about the most ineffective way to integrate technology into your curriculum. Using technology to further the educational process by providing differentiated learning is key. We can't merely use a projector like a glorified overhead projector, otherwise its a waste. Technology can offer you the tools to reach every student and allow them to be successful by developing lessons that are current, engaging, and interactive for the learner. Technology can offer more in-depth learning through online collaboration with fellow students and self-reflections from online blogging and forums. Plus technology feeds each kind of learner if used right. It has stimulating text, engaging videos, current images, interactive simulations, games and animations that all add to increasing a students ability in the classroom. Of course none of this is possible without strong thought and preparation before hand. Having a solid lesson plan guided by instructional design principles and TPACK framework will set you up for success.
Throughout this course I have been given many different evaluation tools to ensure that my technology integration is as effective as it can be. The things I have learned in this course have been very engaging and informational. They have also been easily applied and incorporated into my curriculum. From utilizing good instructional design principles to WebQuest evaluations to face-2-face instructional strategies, they all have been enlightening. WebQuest evaluations have become a regular habit of mine simply because you don't know what someone has put together and it is always better to be caught off guard when you're not in front of kids and this evaluation process allows me to do that. The website building was very informative having never created one before. I plan to continue to develop mine and incorporate it into my Moodle page. I find myself constantly asking the question "am I covering all the bases?" (in regards to UDL). I have utilized numerous sites that convert text to spoken work and visa-versa. Basically, because of this course I feel better equipt to create a well thought out lesson that incorporates technology and also evaluate the numerous different types of technology options.
This year, I have been blessed with technology being plopped into my lap. I have always been extremely open to using technology, but my district is so far behind, it's more of a pain than an asset. Because of the technology donated to me and this class, I have been able to reach many personal goals in regards to integrating technology into my classroom. I have a well developed Moodle page where students can access everything from class as well as enrichment assignments. My worksheets, webpages, online book, webpages, etc are all accessible from there. I have also developed numerous interactive online assignments that the students have been able to complete. I developed these lessons keeping instructional design principles in mind. I have also begun making screencasts of my lectures in class and posting them to my Moodle for absent students as well as student who need clarification when I am not able to give it. The students love being part of the lecture. I am currently in the process of using digital storytelling to create a still frame video of the different types of weathering processes. Starting next week I am offering extra credit for students that turn their assignments into me by sharing them with me through Google Apps. I have set up a number of assignments that will be able to be done this way.
A new goal of mine is to become paperless as much as possible. Some of my students have their own laptop and therefore can access my entire class online either through Google Apps or Moodle. One step I am trying to take currently to make this goal a reality is getting my entire class uploaded to Moodle. All worksheets, labs, projects, WebQuests, quizzes, tests, etc. I have created groups in both Google Apps and Moodle and this should simplify my grading. Another new goal is shifting my curriculum from meaningless worksheets, to interactive engaging projects that use technology to enhance learning. A long term plan is to create at least one meaningful project per unit per year. This way in three to four years, I will have a plethora of projects to choose from that use a variety of different technology to assess the students learning. An underlining plan that will help me reach both goals is utilizing what I learn in my certificate courses as well as my masters courses into my curriculum.
Scott, you are fortunate! I am glad to hear you utilizing Moodle to its fullest potential. Teachers need to realize how easy it is to use it and it saves so much time in the long run. I do workshops and only a 1/4 of the teachers will use it after I leave. The other 3/4 when I follow up just don't want to try it. They don't want to change. Our students when they go to higher education have blended classes so we need to prepare them.
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