Course Reflection
I have truly enjoyed exploring the many technology tools presented throughout this course. I found ways to integrate new tools in both my technology and art classes. Keeping up with trends in technology is a never-ending job. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to seek out new tools and websites to use with my students. I understand, as I did throughout this course, that trying a new technology tool doesn't necessarily mean that it will be useful. Having time to dedicate to trying something new, reflecting, and evaluating whether or not it will be useful for my students at this current time was valuable.
I have found several tools that are now part of my regular "tool box" in my classroom. I now use Padlet to organize all of my video lessons. Paired with ad-filtering from ViewPure.com and QR codes around my room students are able to help themselves if they need to review a lesson. I absolutely loved creating the infographic and will be sharing piktochart with my 4th graders in the spring. I also have been contemplating ways to incorporate the design process into my curriculum with a 3D rendering program that I already use with my art students.
As a technology teacher myself, exploring the ISTE standards from the Student's point of view was eye-opening. It made the standards come to life for me and has jump-started my imagination in terms of possible engaging activities for students that meet the standards. For the fourth graders that I teach, I ultimately want them to LOVE technology. I don't want it to be dry and boring because I know that if they fall in love with it now, they will choose to keep exploring technology as they get older. I love that when my students program robots they feel like they have magic powers, and if they create a presentation with a cool visual tool, they feel proud to show it off to their classmates and teachers.
One part of this course that made me feel a bit inadequate was the involvement with Twitter. I think I have pretty much decided that it's just not my favorite social media outlet. I understand the value for making connections with other educators, but if I don't regularly use it, its difficult to continue to grow my digital presence. I currently use facebook and Instagam to connect with other educators and share what my students are doing in my classroom (ms_smith_art). I did use Twitter to win a very cool Tech Tub iPad charging lock box as MassCUE this year though- so not all is lost, I will keep my account active (even if it's on the back burner)!
Thank you so much Debbie and Karen for offering this course to our district. I have loved the format of the hybrid course and the ability to join from afar as well as seeing everyone face to face. There was a great deal of content, but it covered so many facets of technology use that I loved exploring it all. I would love to continue sharing among this learning community as we all constantly identify new and creative ways to use technology within our classrooms.
Thank You!
I have found several tools that are now part of my regular "tool box" in my classroom. I now use Padlet to organize all of my video lessons. Paired with ad-filtering from ViewPure.com and QR codes around my room students are able to help themselves if they need to review a lesson. I absolutely loved creating the infographic and will be sharing piktochart with my 4th graders in the spring. I also have been contemplating ways to incorporate the design process into my curriculum with a 3D rendering program that I already use with my art students.
As a technology teacher myself, exploring the ISTE standards from the Student's point of view was eye-opening. It made the standards come to life for me and has jump-started my imagination in terms of possible engaging activities for students that meet the standards. For the fourth graders that I teach, I ultimately want them to LOVE technology. I don't want it to be dry and boring because I know that if they fall in love with it now, they will choose to keep exploring technology as they get older. I love that when my students program robots they feel like they have magic powers, and if they create a presentation with a cool visual tool, they feel proud to show it off to their classmates and teachers.
One part of this course that made me feel a bit inadequate was the involvement with Twitter. I think I have pretty much decided that it's just not my favorite social media outlet. I understand the value for making connections with other educators, but if I don't regularly use it, its difficult to continue to grow my digital presence. I currently use facebook and Instagam to connect with other educators and share what my students are doing in my classroom (ms_smith_art). I did use Twitter to win a very cool Tech Tub iPad charging lock box as MassCUE this year though- so not all is lost, I will keep my account active (even if it's on the back burner)!
Thank you so much Debbie and Karen for offering this course to our district. I have loved the format of the hybrid course and the ability to join from afar as well as seeing everyone face to face. There was a great deal of content, but it covered so many facets of technology use that I loved exploring it all. I would love to continue sharing among this learning community as we all constantly identify new and creative ways to use technology within our classrooms.
Thank You!
Thanks Carly! You are a dream student! Thanks for always being willing to share all the great things you are doing with your students! I understand when you talk about, trying to keep up with all the technology can be difficult, it certainly is a challenge! When I hear the phrase "Life Long Learner" I can relate as well because in technology it is always changing and we are always working to learn more! I would not worry about not "loving" Twitter- You are using Social Media tools(FB and Instagram) that work for you! Instagram, especially because your discipline is visual- and students love it! What's important is that you have two awesome tools that work for what you need- connecting, collaborating and sharing your amazing work with students! Thanks again for exploring this course with us!
ReplyDeleteHi Carly,
ReplyDeleteI'm happy the format worked out well for you and you were able to add to your "tool box". I agree that it can be difficult to find the time to try new tech and evaluate its usefulness in our own classrooms - but it is a worthwhile process as new technology and tools pop up everyday. Your students are so fortunate to have you as a teacher and I'm sure your creative activities will keep them inspired to continue exploring tech.
As I mentioned previously your work is amazing and inspirational and so happy you were a part of our #SPSPLN learning community If we run the class again I hope you will consider visiting the class as a guest speaker to showcase some of your work. I hope that you will also "continue sharing among this learning community".
Thanks again for the feedback and embarking on this learning journey.