Reflection: Week 8

This course has reinforced my personal theory of learning. I still believe that as educators it is our job to tap into the different learning styles of our students and provide a variety of strategies that will allow our students to demonstrate their knowledge. Throughout this course, I have learned some new techniques to accomplish this. I plan to use voice threads as another way for my students to communicate their thoughts and ideas. My students respond regularly to our classroom blog, but this format will provide students with a different option. Another tool that I cannot wait to try in my classroom is the idea of a virtual fieldtrip. This resource will be amazing for my students. Students will be able to visit locations using their computers that they would otherwise not be able to access. One long-term goal that I have for technology integration in my classroom includes finding new ways for students to communicate with other students in other districts or around the world. I have heard of Skype, but have never used this application. I think this could be a great tool for my middle school students to communicate their thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Another goal that I have is to create more units of study that allow students to choose the application that they feel most comfortable with to share their knowledge of United States History. It takes a little more planning on my part to create rubrics that can be used to fairly assess different programs, but the benefit is worth the effort. Students are more willing to complete assignments when there is choice involved and they feel as if they have some ownership of their learning.