Module+One+Reflection

Module One:

**// Reflection Prompt: //** How has your knowledge of technology standards changed after this module? Reflect on your own use of technology standards in your classroom and personal use.

My knowledge of the standards has changed after this module because I am more informed on what Instructional Technologists do and what they should know regarding the implementation of technology into regular classroom use. In my classroom, I use technology as much as I can; however my knowledge of technology (equipment, web-based programs, Microsoft programs) is not as extensive as I wish. I require my students to use the Internet for research, use Microsoft Word and Power Point for presentations and projects, and use the Smart Board when possible, but if I had a more in-depth knowledge of these technologies and their potential, technology would be more integral in my classroom, rather than supplemental. // 2. **Impact.** Tell what you have learned (or confirm what you had already believed, or how what you have learned differs from what you believed). How do you feel about what you learned? // After module one, my thoughts on the use of technology as a motivational factor were confirmed. Generation Z students are much more technologically savvy than Gen X or Yers because they grew up with it. The way the world communicates has changed so drastically in the past 50 years that schools and educators //must// learn to reach students in a different way. To me, this means tapping into the technologies that students enjoy using, such as blogs, texting, facebook, avatars, games, etc. I do not tap into these modes of communication with my students in the classroom because it is new to me and I’m trying to learn how to utilize them. Plus, my school has strict bans on technologies, such as texting, blogging, and other forms of web-based communication, so it is difficult to implement some technologies in the classroom. // 3. **Intent.** Make a statement about what you intend to do as a result of your learnings and feelings. BE SPECIFIC! Phrase this in a personal and positive way ("what I will do is . . ." rather than "what I won't do is . . ."). // I would love to help my school better communicate with my students through websites or web-based forums of communication. I would like to help teachers set up their own Wikispaces, perhaps, so that they can post content on the Internet and students could access information from home, especially when they’re sick or absent for an extended period.
 * // Description. //**// Briefly describe your experiences (class activities, reading assignment, your school or job experiences). Do this in a descriptive rather than a judgmental way (merely record events without editorializing or agreeing or disagreeing). Make connections. //

// Hi Kelly, Your wikispace looks awesome, love your fun stuff page! I enjoyed reading your reflection! Realizing the possibilities is the first step, but many times that is a HUGE first step due to district not ready for our 21st century learners. In someone else's wiki, they wrote in a similar way about how to communicate with a district that does not get it. She concluded that making sure they understand the request for the technology based on how the activity is aligned to tech standards to support actual student learning and regular content standards. Say for example, you just create a wikispace like this WITH NO advertisements, protected and approached them. Have a response for all the issues like safety etc. These are safe places and a great way to get started using web-based tech in classrooms! Good luck with your efforts! Dr. Ward :) //