Reading reflection: 5364 week I
I have to say this is the class I am most excited about especially the textbook Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. The biggest reason I decided on this masters program was because I loved how excited my students got when then knew we were going to be working with the COW (computers on wheels). I also loved how much effort they would give me at tutoring time when they knew they were going to be playing games on the smart board.  However, my biggest challenge was how to incorporate that same style of learning (integrating technology) in my everyday lessons.  I can already tell this book is going to one I will access over and over again.  I am feeling less intimidated given that the book maps out for you lesson ideas and the software you or the students can use to be successful. The biggest issue I have encountered being in the public school atmosphere with a low budget for technology is that it is up to the teacher to learn the different software available on top of all of our other responsibilities and work and personally.

Also, from our readings, the theory of Cyborg learning is a bit disturbing.  If information is being placed into your body, where is the learning aspect. What is being learned?

The theory I identify the most with is that of constructivism. I make every effort to try to move away from the spoon fed form of teaching of yester year. However, the students who have limited experiences are sometimes at a loss. I find that I end up having to find some way to make the information connect through a text we have read or through a personal story of mine, but again it sometimes just does not connect if it is not their personal experience.

Warwirk, K. (nd). Cyborg Life [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB_l7SY_ngI

Siemens, G. (nd). The Changing Nature of Knowledge  [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMcTHndpzYg

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Introduction, 1 – 14.

Web conference: Aug 31!
This was our first web conference for Teaching with Technology: EDLD 5364.  We were able to get some questions answered about the group project for this course such as the learning difficulties of the students in the project scenario.  Dr. Abernathy also talked about the standards for this course in particular.  I am still somewhat confused as to how this project will play out, but I am sure that it will be a progression of activities in the weeks to come.

5366 Course Reflection

Group assignments especially when the group members cannot meet face to face can sometimes be a bothersome situation.  Collaborating with others means that you have to be open to new ideas and give others your faith and trust that they will complete their portion of the assignment.  This assignment, web design, was a rewarding experience.  I found that my group members were very knowledgeable and eager to lend a helping hand. My only other experience with web design is my own personal website that I created for another course.  It is a very basic website because I am not generally a brave enough person to try new things.  However, this particular course has brought me out of my box.  Knowing that you are accountable to other people sometimes makes you want to push the envelope on your portion of the project. 

The district that I worked in the past had good intentions with incorporating technology in the classroom, but did not have the capabilities to offer training to the teachers. There were teachers who took it upon themselves to further their knowledge, and there were teachers who stayed stagnate with their way of teaching.  This year however, I am excited to incorporate the concepts I have learned in my technology courses with my students now.  The school that I teach with uses an on curriculum enriched with higher technology such as eBooks and animations to enhance the students learning experience.  However, I want to take that learning a bit further and place the production process in the student’s hands. The students that I work with are elite athletes who will be looking for both academic and sports scholarships for college.  My goal is to have the students create their own eportfolios to help showcase to sports recruits as well as college recruits.

Web conference-August 10
This web conference was extremely helpful for the week 5 assignment. Dr. Abernathy gave us specific ideas of what we could write about in regards to our reflection of the work we collaborated with in week 4. She also talked to us about a new stand alone certificate that would continue along with our current Masters program path.