Personal Reflection
Upon reflecting on my technology abilities, I have identified three areas in which I can improve my technological abilities.
The first area I can improve on is Learning Management Systems. I have created a Moodle course as part of a masters classes. However, I would like to practice utilizing the platform more. It took me a long time to create modules within this platform. It would be beneficial if I were able to work within the platform in a more time effective manner. This would allow me to create a greater amount of learning opportunities for students and professional learners in the amount of time available.
The second area I can improve on is learning to trouble shoot and complete basic repairs on common classroom/ school devices. I feel as though a stronger knowledge of Smartboards and desktop computers could be beneficial as they are the devices most commonly reported for work orders in my school. By being able to fix some of the basic issues related to Smartboards and Desktop computers I could help to limit the amount of time these technologies would be of no use to students.
The third area I can improve on my knowledge of media tools, applications, and software. I feel as though this area of technology is ever-changing. New technology tools, applications, and software are being created on a daily bases. Therefore, there is always room for improvement when comes to learning the newest technologies. In learning the newest technologies available in education I would be able to provide students with engaging and relevant learning experiences.
Upon reflecting on my technology abilities, I have identified three areas in which I can improve my technological abilities.
The first area I can improve on is Learning Management Systems. I have created a Moodle course as part of a masters classes. However, I would like to practice utilizing the platform more. It took me a long time to create modules within this platform. It would be beneficial if I were able to work within the platform in a more time effective manner. This would allow me to create a greater amount of learning opportunities for students and professional learners in the amount of time available.
The second area I can improve on is learning to trouble shoot and complete basic repairs on common classroom/ school devices. I feel as though a stronger knowledge of Smartboards and desktop computers could be beneficial as they are the devices most commonly reported for work orders in my school. By being able to fix some of the basic issues related to Smartboards and Desktop computers I could help to limit the amount of time these technologies would be of no use to students.
The third area I can improve on my knowledge of media tools, applications, and software. I feel as though this area of technology is ever-changing. New technology tools, applications, and software are being created on a daily bases. Therefore, there is always room for improvement when comes to learning the newest technologies. In learning the newest technologies available in education I would be able to provide students with engaging and relevant learning experiences.
Using Multimedia in Instruction
Multimedia is an essential component to instruct toady’s learners. The three learning styles (auditory, visual and kinesthetic) are evident with the utilization of multimedia. Multimedia presentations such as Google Slide presentations can be beneficial in a technology enriched classroom. Utilizing Google Slides can offer many elements of multimedia. These can be used in a flipped classroom, in which students can view the content independently or in small/whole group instruction. Audio files, video files, pictures, text, and interactive components can all be operable within Google Slides. Using this application can ensure that your auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners are presented the content in a way that is meaningful to them. The disadvantage of such programs would be available resources. If your classroom does not have enough devices available for students to access the multimedia, then it would not be as beneficial as it could be.
Multimedia is an essential component to instruct toady’s learners. The three learning styles (auditory, visual and kinesthetic) are evident with the utilization of multimedia. Multimedia presentations such as Google Slide presentations can be beneficial in a technology enriched classroom. Utilizing Google Slides can offer many elements of multimedia. These can be used in a flipped classroom, in which students can view the content independently or in small/whole group instruction. Audio files, video files, pictures, text, and interactive components can all be operable within Google Slides. Using this application can ensure that your auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners are presented the content in a way that is meaningful to them. The disadvantage of such programs would be available resources. If your classroom does not have enough devices available for students to access the multimedia, then it would not be as beneficial as it could be.
DID EVALUATION
In terms of the DID Steps, I would select step 6 (evaluate and revise design) as the hardest step for me to compete. I have 5 STEM classes a day, all different grade levels (kindergarten through fourth grade), each day. There is not time to reflect between classes. Sometimes evaluating much later in the day will cause you to forget some aspects of the lesson. I would say one way I could overcome this difficulty would be to just jot down notes, not full sentences, but short notes that might jog my memory when reflecting at the end of the day.
In terms of the DID Steps, I would select step 6 (evaluate and revise design) as the hardest step for me to compete. I have 5 STEM classes a day, all different grade levels (kindergarten through fourth grade), each day. There is not time to reflect between classes. Sometimes evaluating much later in the day will cause you to forget some aspects of the lesson. I would say one way I could overcome this difficulty would be to just jot down notes, not full sentences, but short notes that might jog my memory when reflecting at the end of the day.
DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION
Last year I taught fourth grade. I had a wide range of ability levels within my classroom. For Math and Reading students would go to a Gifted and Talented classroom. However, they would remain in my regular education classroom for Social Studies and Science with the rest of my homeroom students. Due to this, I was required to differentiate instruction for my lessons. For example, when learning a topic (such as the Revolutionary War) I would guide my students through reading an interactive essential text. I would use a PowerPoint of the information and guide students in coding essential information. However, my GT students did not need that support. I would forward the PowerPoint to the GT students using Google Classroom. They would then work at their own pace and record information they felt was essential. When they finished early they could go on KidRex.org and search for additional information on the topic that they thought was valuable.
Last year I taught fourth grade. I had a wide range of ability levels within my classroom. For Math and Reading students would go to a Gifted and Talented classroom. However, they would remain in my regular education classroom for Social Studies and Science with the rest of my homeroom students. Due to this, I was required to differentiate instruction for my lessons. For example, when learning a topic (such as the Revolutionary War) I would guide my students through reading an interactive essential text. I would use a PowerPoint of the information and guide students in coding essential information. However, my GT students did not need that support. I would forward the PowerPoint to the GT students using Google Classroom. They would then work at their own pace and record information they felt was essential. When they finished early they could go on KidRex.org and search for additional information on the topic that they thought was valuable.