Course Reflection

Through this course, I was happy to learn that the same great teaching strategies I use in my classroom can and should be used when integrating technology. The four strategies to use when integrating technology are: deductive, inductive, scaffolding, and use of metaphor. These four strategies best ensure student mastery of your lessons. The deductive strategy is one teachers may have used- introduce a rule, then give examples to prove the rule. This may be most used for science or math lessons. The inductive strategy is used to present examples and allow students to deduce the rule. In this way, you are more the guide on side. The scaffolding strategy is something I use often as a third grade teacher. Helpful hints, partially finished products, and examples are given to help students through their lessons. Lastly, I think the use of metaphors is important with young children. It makes sense to me to use metaphors or comparisons to explain difficult concepts.

Integrating web-based technologies helped me to think about and evaluate the uses of technology. While looking for technology applications to use in my StAIR, a stand- alone instructional resource, I tried to keep several evaluation objectives in mind. First of all, I looked for ease of use both for myself and my students. Also, if it cost money, was difficult to access or carry out, I bypassed the application. For me (and my specific objectives), Moodle is such an application. I admit there was quite a learning curve, and once "mastered" took much less time and effort to implement. That being said, I now know how to use Moodle, but I still haven't found easy ways to add the kinds of media, audio (video, still clips) in quick, easy ways. So, I guess another of my evaluation objectives is "bang for my buck." In other words, does this application allow me (or the students) to do what I need to quickly? For me, Moodle is a no.

Through this course, I feel I have met most of my own personal goals for learning about technology integration, as well as creating a few new ones. First, I have found and tried a wealth of new applications such as Google Reader, Picasa, Docs, Scholar, and Voice, as well as blogs, wikis, Moodle, and WebQuests. Through the use of these and other new programs, I have found new ways to find, convert, download, and add videos with Zamzar, a free file conversion site. I have also found a few new ways to record and add audio clips to my projects, through a technology site called Digital Inspiration. With colleague recommendations, I have found a wealth of new websites. Other examples include KidBlog a safe and easy way for kids to blog and We Transfer an easy way to send big files. I know that with this knowledge and guided practice, I have the momentum and confidence to continue with the projects I've begun in CEP 811, but also to create new (and better) activities in the near future.

Some things I'd like to try in the near future include creating additional StAIR projects but in another format. As mentioned above, I found the Moodle application somewhat time consuming and constricting. I will try additional activities using Power Point, as I feel I could more easily add images, sound, and animation. Also, the kids a familiar with Power Point, and should be able to easily navigate through it. My first StAIR project is a math goal and I have many other math topics that could be created for student differentiation and remediation. I'm excited to create these using technology new to me, such as Camtasia. Through this site, I can create a lesson through screen recording. This would allow students to learn or review a lesson at their own pace. I would also like to find a way to get kids involved in some sort of online communication, but haven't decided on the format- wiki or blog. I did sign up for a class site through KidBlog, and am currently researching and contemplating possible uses. Also, our district is continually adding more technology options, such as a small, mobile iPod Touch lab for students. I'll spend some time researching apps that will fit my curriculum. One thing I have learned- for every thought, for every lesson, for every content area, for every age group and user, there is an application or program for that!