Reflecting on Technology Integration

I began the EDUC 6710 course with hopes of learning classroom methods that would excite my classroom. I am happy to say that my expectations have been exceeded. I was able to integrate new learning immediately into my classroom instruction which have had a dramatic impact on student learning. Seeing increased student engagement has resulted in improved test scores has been the most satisfying aspect of taking this course. As the class worked to make audio and video tracks to study science vocabulary, I saw students who before did not easily work with groups, take on a new level of participation. Test scores for the science unit that I taught during this period of taking this class, and implementing technologies, reached new heights.
I am fortunate to also have had an interactive white board installed in my classroom during my time taking this class. This has enhanced my use of technology integration and has further engaged students. Our study of the solar system using Google Earth, Promethean programming, and other web based sites such as www.stardate.org, has been a great compliment to our textbook.

In planning for the future, I have set two goals. First of all, help my students to work comfortably with our classroom technologies to develop their products that demonstrate learning and student achievement. They can use the interactive board and its many tools to design their own learning center. Students could use video blogs to develop critical thinking on curriculum topics. I see my classroom as somewhere they can develop not only content knowledge, but also 21st century life skills that will give them a strong foundation for the future. To measure my success in this area, I will develop a student technology survey that I will give students at the beginning of the school year, and compare with end of the year results.
Secondly, I will like to be a leader and contributor to our technology committee in my school. I will organize weekly meetings in which technology leaders in the building can share classroom stories and together discover new ways to increase student performance with technology integration as the catalyst.