Module+8+Reflection

Summarize your learning for this term. How will you use the knowledge you have constructed to improve your use of technology for learning in your class and for your own personal and professional development?
 * Prompt **

﻿The information that I will use to summarize what I've learned will come from what I've read in my ISTE's Technology Facilitation & Leadership Standards book, the TPACK handbook, the ISTE's NETS for teachers book, numerous articles, web activities, websites, and videos.
 * Description **

I have truly learned so much from this course, I don't even know where to begin! I've learned so much....about so much! I learned a lot about many different kinds of standards: NETS-T, NETS-S, I also learned the difference between technology facilitators and leaders, and how each of their standards' are similar and different. Previous to this course, I didn't know any of this! The most important concept that I learned about was TPACK. This really opened my eyes, and is what changed my view of technology in the classroom. Before, I was one of those teachers that thought technology integration was too much work, too much "unknown" to deal with when I already had a chaotic schedule. Learning about how technology, pedagogy and content all connect really gave me a new perspective, and took away the fear of technology integration. It enabled me to see how much technology can really empower students and teachers, and how it can foster 21st century learners and skills that our students need to be and have. Aside from standards and integration, I learned a lot about ethics and safety. Those are very important, and served as a significant refresher. I had forgotten about a lot of the copyright laws! That was huge for me. It got my "wheels turning" and forced me to reflect on what I currently do, and shouldn't be doing! Finally, I learned a lot about my own philosophy as a technology professional. I have a much stronger passion for technology now, and am genuinely very excited to learn so much more. I have learned a lot about myself--my viewpoints, myself as an online learner, my strengths and weaknesses. I'm walking away from this class with a HUGE amount of useful information to share!
 * Impact **

I will use the knowledge that I've gained and pass it along to my students and colleagues. I have so many new ideas to use! I'm excited to make a website for parent communication, and plan to do that before school starts back up. Chapter 3 in the TPACK book gave me some great ideas for reading instruction with technology that I plan to take advantage of. One of those ideas is to use ipods to enhance my reading instruction. I can load books onto ipods...they'll be much more portable than the "old-school" gigantic tape recorders we have now! :) I also would like to make a family website for my personal use. I think this would be a great way for us to share stories, memories, pictures, etc. and to stay in touch from all around the globe.
 * Intent﻿ **