Final Thoughts

CEP 811 not only allowed me to try new technologies, but it also showed me how to evaluate materials I find online or I create myself. This course introduced me to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) which has guidelines for multiple means of representation, for action and expression, and for engagement. These guidelines will help me evaluate my lessons and the curicculum to make sure each student's needs are met. 

By using web-based technologies and providing a rubric for evaluation of these technologies, I am now able to find the best resources to use in my classroom. I plan to use a class website or blog, go on webquests, and create StAIRs to supplement the curriculum this year. I feel like I have met my personal goals for learning about technology integration. Since I have younger students, I want to integrate technology slowly and with instruction so they get the most out of it.

I will continue to search for new technology to integrate into my classroom. I will continue my education and attend professional develop to stay up to date on new technologies. It is the way of the future!

My Thoughts on Online Learning

A. Technologies I think would be easy to use with my students: 

Educational Gaming: I believe my students would really enjoy the integration of educational games into the curriculum. Games present information in a fun and familiar way and, in some cases, students don't even know how much they are learning. By engaging students, they are more likely to retain information. I would like to use educational games with math and spelling to supplement my lessons. Educational games allow for teacher involvement and teach life-long skills. 

Blog or Wiki: A blog or wiki would be a great place for students to keep track and reflect on what they have learned, provide feedback for other students, allow parents to see learning, and allow students to express themselves and their knowledge through a different media. I would like to use a blog/wiki for social studies or science because of the limited time we have to teach them. It could be a good extension and supplement. Blogs/wikis promote collaboration, integration, and teach life-long skills. 

B. Technology I think would be harder to use with my students: 

Online Research: I have found online research to be difficult for third graders. There is so much information put on the internet, it is hard for them to determine what is accurate. It is also easy for them to get lost or stray from the assignment. Most schools have firewalls, but it could be dangerous if they wonder onto unsafe sites. If I am going to do a research project, I will have to put specific links on our class website or have a website pulled up on the computers. It is a lot of work for only 30 minute time slots in the computer lab. 

Wiki Lab

My school was not on Wikipedia, so I created an account and submitted a page. I provided some information on the location of Marble school, our students, our teachers, and our test scores throughout the year. My submission is in for review.