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.

info.esparklearning.com

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,

langwitches.org

screencast,

www.hr.niu.edu

 or padlet.

blog.edtechteam.com

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.