This course definitely challenged my skills and knowledge of instructional technology. During this course I was fortunate to work with my peers and was able to collaborate using the web 2.0 tool Popplet. With this activity we were able to learn lots about the history of technology and some of the current issues and trends, hence the name of the course! I learned how some of the current trends such as social media and mobile devices are now being used in the classroom setting to engage and increase student academics. I also learned how technology is being integrated in the classroom with 1:1 tools. Every student having access to a computer or iPad has increased student academics!
I learned that as time change with the use of technology, so does schools, and teachers must be prepared to extend their teaching skills to meet students engagement level. Teachers must consider children's understanding and current abilities when selecting appropriate tools for use, working to modify tools and activities for a variety of needs in mind (Ward, 2015).
I was also able to read lots of interesting articles and was introduced to the website, Edutopia. Here I was able to learn about many new apps that are school and children friendly for emergent readers! I plan on using them for the next school year!!
I learned that as time change with the use of technology, so does schools, and teachers must be prepared to extend their teaching skills to meet students engagement level. Teachers must consider children's understanding and current abilities when selecting appropriate tools for use, working to modify tools and activities for a variety of needs in mind (Ward, 2015).
I was also able to read lots of interesting articles and was introduced to the website, Edutopia. Here I was able to learn about many new apps that are school and children friendly for emergent readers! I plan on using them for the next school year!!