New and Emerging Technologies - Final Reflection

During this course, I've learned a lot about the transformation of digital tools and the stages that technology passes through (McLuhan's Tetrad). I've also learned how to be a teacher leader and the different steps or approaches I can take to advocate for technology programs at my school. One of the themes of this course that I came across several times was that student learning styles are changing and as teachers, we need to consider that and be open to trying new things in our classrooms. Almost all students interact with some form of technology outside of school. In order to make learning relevant to their everyday lives, we need to bring some of that technology into school and show students how to use those tools in an educational way. By showing students how to successfully manage and organize the large amounts of information that are available to them, they will become better self-directed learners. With technology, students need to know that they can customize their own learning experiences. This course has provided an unlimited number of ways to customize curricula. We have studied different virtual environments, such as online learning modules (Moodle), multi-user virtual environments (Second Life), digital games, and creating personal learning networks. Teachers can be unsure about using certain virtual environments because they are unfamiliar with them. From my own experience, I was unfamiliar with MUVES, like Second Life, and was unaware of all of the educational benefits. I learned that there are many resources for teachers in Second Life, including professional development opportunities. Teachers can also meet in Second Life from different places around the world to share ideas and have conferences. Students are able to create avatars, build worlds, and collaborate. According to Will Richardson (2009), we should "be proactive in educating about social networking." Using MUVES creates opportunities for students to learn in a multi-sensory environment, problem-solve, and view content through multiple representations. A major benefit of using online learning tools is that it reduces student's threat of failure. In virtual environments, students can experiment with trial and error. Several software provides immediate feedback. What more could a teacher ask for?

In demonstration of my learning, I created a lesson that integrated digital mini games and other interactive web sites. The content area the lesson focuses on is Science, specifically, human body systems. Students watch a video clip from Brain Pop and discuss familiar systems as a class. During the explore phase, students work with a partner to interact with these web sites: Kinetic City - All Systems Are Go!, Inner Body, and Kids Health. While gathering information from these sites, students are asked to record notes on a graphic organizer. At the closing of the lesson, students take an online quiz. Through these web sites, students are able to navigate the body systems and focus on what they feel they need to. At the Kinetic City site, students play a mini game where they match body parts to their body systems. This game is very content centered, but gives students a fun way to learn. I was able to demonstrate my learning in this course through creating this lesson because I successfully integrated educational digital games that were goal-directed. Using these web sites, provides an example of how technology can enhance student learning and focus on multiple learning styles. I also constructed a report on influencing adoption and explored grant resources. I found several great grant resources and programs aimed at technology integration.

According to Fullan (2001), "change is a process, not an event" (p.40). Adjustments I will make to my efforts and teaching will focus on this thought. Change is ongoing and should be managed in steps. When I have a classroom of my own, I will create a mixed learning atmosphere. I will integrate the technologies I have learned about in this course based on the needs of my students and my own readiness. I will look into more professional development opportunities for myself and other teachers to learn about new and emerging technologies. I also now have the knowledge to locate funding and defend my choices of technology to administrators and parents.

Resources:
Fullan, M. (2001). Leading in a Culture of Change. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009) Virtual worlds. New and Emerging Technologies. Baltimore: Author.