Monday, May 9, 2016

Emerging Technology in the Classroom: A reflection and a plan!

One of the most incredible aspects of human nature is our ability to learn. With each  and every class I have taken, I truly take something away that affects my life. So it is with no surprise that I learned so much this semester as a student in my "Methods for Integrating Technology" class.

As an educator, it is my job to differentiate each lesson in order that I may reach each and every student. One of the most commonly researched and sought after ways of differentiation is through the use of technology. This class that I recently attended has afforded me the opportunity to learn so many different ways of integrating technology. The class itself was taught entirely through technology through a process called gamification.


Gamification is simply the ability to earn rewards for successful completion of tasks.  Take a second to visit the Knewton website to get a more in-depth knowledge of gamification.  I will definitely be incorporating this idea into my class. It helps with grading time and it gives the students the opportunity to have a goal to reach.

Other aspects of the course that were very intriguing include ways to incorporate technology into lesson planning using apps like voice thread,

screencast,

 or padlet.

I really enjoyed learning how to use these items, especially voice thread and screencast. One very drastic change I have officially changed in my career in education is my style of teaching. I plan to flip my classroom next semester and these two additions to my knowledge of technology are the perfect tools! Take a moment to watch this youtube video on the idea of a flipped classroom, It may intrigue you as well.

I am extremely grateful to have learned a great deal in such a short period of time. These items share are only a fraction of the marvelous things I learned. This class has officially started my journey to becoming a true 21st-century educator.