Key Learnings
The most influential information that I learned from this semester working
with technology is the benefits of Google applications and the variety of
programs for collaboration. I loved the
variety of tools Google has created. I
started a Google website this semester and I have continued to use it to post
information, announcements, a calendar, and videos. In addition, I used Google docs to
collaborate with classmates, and used Google form to create survey for the
final project. I will use Google forms
in the classroom to gather student information at the beginning of the year,
and perhaps for future assessments. I
also enjoyed testing all the programs available for collaboration, such as
Twiddla.com. These will be great to
incorporate in the classroom so small groups can complete projects and share
ideas.
Most and least useful activities
I really enjoyed learning how to upload the PP and learning about all the
tools that helped this process. If
students miss a lesson, I can make a PP to cover all the objects, upload it
with my voice, and then post it on the class website so absent students never
have to miss a beat.
The least useful activity was the TIP project because I didn't understand
most of the objectives. I liked the
basic premise of the assignment: forming an argument for why a certain
technology would benefit teachers, the classroom, or a student, but the TIP
model was convoluted, especially the beginning.
Textbook
The textbook provided a wealth of information and was easy to read, but I
find the notion of an actual textbook for a technology class odd. Most of the information in the textbook was
outdated and it always will be because technology is ever-changing and print is
not. Overall the textbook did a nice job
explaining basic concepts, like what is a blog or a wiki, but the examples it
provided were not helpful because they were not relevant.
Improvements
Overall I thought this course was well done and assignments were
applicable teachers. I really liked the
structure of the class and how it met four times a semester. I thought the assignments during the time
between classes were meaningful, so even when we were not meeting every week, I
still felt like something was accomplished.
One improvement that could be made is the addition of a presentation to
the class. Perhaps the TIP model could
become a collaboration assignment and at the end students present their product. I liked reading through some of the class’s
models during a discussion questions, but I would have liked to see everyone’s
ideas and got a quick demonstration if possible.
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