Reflection
of the Educational Technology Course and Tools
In retrospect, I can
honestly say that the Educational Technology course presented a great
challenge, forcing me to understand new concepts, explore the technological
world, and cross new bridges within a short period of time. The course felt
much like a boot camp, in which I was put to the test time and time again to
prove my strength and endurance. I was engaged in numerous activities which
required me to create technological tools that would be beneficial to students
I would teach subsequent to leaving college. I was exposed to webquests,
podcasts, digital storytelling, PowerPoint presentations, the creation of
blogs, among other technological tools. During the course, I was also required
to demonstrate how I would put these tools to use in the classroom. The tools
themselves were a force to be dreaded. Familiarizing myself with the new tools
took time and patience. I especially found the webquest to be a grueling task
which took hours, maybe because of my nature, which meant I had to get it
perfect. Though they took time, I did enjoy the exposure to new tools inclusive
of movie maker, photostory and the blog. I found these to be exciting ways to
integrate creativity with education.
Though leaving me
drained and sleepless, the course deepened my appreciation for the need to
integrate technology in the classroom. Research conducted during the course
helped me understand the importance of evolving the traditional classroom into
one that would meet the needs of children in a technological age. With exposure
I found new and innovative ways that would allow me to create more captivating
and meaningful learning experiences. My appreciation for these tools deepened
when I could clearly see their benefit in the classroom. I went on teaching
practice for two weeks, and during this time I made sure to implement a number
of these tools in my lessons. These tools proved invaluable, as my students
were engaged in the lesson, excited about activities and learnt concepts from
situations with which they could relate. I also found that creating lesson
plans was easier and being engrossed in the creating and planning process led
me to become more excited about teaching. These experiences with technological
tools have encouraged me to improve my teaching skills and make that extra
effort to meet my students’ needs through technology. There is no doubt that
the course plays an integral role in broadening teachers’ understanding, providing
them with more current ways of reaching students and helping them become
learners who will develop strong cognitive skills and be better able to
construct their own meaning.
Stepping back, I can
see that I have personally benefitted from this course in more ways than just
with regard to teaching. The course played an important role in my life by
making me more cognizant of technologies that were easily accessible. When I
became proficient in using these tools, I realized that I needed upgrading and
this encouraged me to explore the technological world. I have also developed a
greater appreciation for proper referencing. There is an abundance of
information around us, and it is through this course that I have come to
appreciate the various sources through which information can be found.
I am most confident
that the decision to implement this course was a wise one. The main purpose is
clear. This course was put in place to ensure that teachers would become better
equipped to deal with the students of the 21st century. No longer
are they captivated by written assignments and traditional means of teaching
and assessment. Prensky (2008), shares the very same sentiments, explaining
that on his trips worldwide, he always finds that “students
are mind-numbingly bored in class” (para. 16). If we are to continue to be
effective teachers, we must make the transition and utilize the methods with
which students are captivated. Experience indicates that these tools do effect
positive change. Living in a world where everything is a click away, “children
today appear to be more sophisticated and knowledgeable about certain life
experiences than children of any previous generation were” (Kiefer, Hepler
& Hickman, 2007, p. 4). Therefore, this course was implemented to fill
the need, by providing an interface through which teachers can reach their
students, and through which students can become captivated and excited about
learning, while developing holistically.
There is
absolutely no doubt that the knowledge received from the Educational Technology
course will benefit me in times to come. I have already experienced the
benefits, as students demonstrate more interest in lessons and are glad to
participate in activities. Being fully engaged in the learning process, I no
longer view lesson planning as a chore, but it has become more enjoyable and
fulfilling. I am confident that in the future, the skills learnt will enable me
to effectively aid students, as I provide the right learning environment for
each student and ensure that lessons hold their attention while they relate to
what is being taught.
“Computers and computer
technologies have dramatically changed the face of society … It would be hard
to find one corner of the world that has not been changed substantially by them”
(Forcier & Descy, 2005, p. 4). With this in mind, the
skills taught in the Education Technology course are certainly of benefit to
the nation. It is obvious that in ensuring national development, technology
courses such as this will promote a higher level of thinking and performance.
With the world being immersed in technological advancements, the need to
educate the nation through technology has become more important than ever. If
the nation is not prepared to take hold of the technologies seen today, where
will we be left in a few years? The time is now and the need is here. In order
to ensure development of the nation, inclusive of both young and old minds,
Educational Technology must be reinforced. I am grateful to have had the
exposure, experience and the opportunity to contribute to learning through
technological advancement. Thanks to all those who made this invaluable
opportunity possible.
References:
Forcier,
R. C., & Descy, D. E. (2005). The
computer as an educational tool: productivity and problem solving (4th
ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
Kiefer,
B., Hepler, S., & Hickman, J. (2007). Charlotte
Huck’s children’s literature (9th ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw
Hill Companies, Inc.
Prensky,
M. (2008, May 22). The 21st-century digital learner. [Web log post].
Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/ikid-digital-learner-technology-2008
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