Journal+Reflection+Module+2

Journal Reflection Module 2


 * //Reflection Prompt Module 2// ** : How the artifacts in your pre-competencies verification reflect your technology use as an educator? In light of your learning about TPACK, identify areas of improvement needed.

//**Description**//: For module 2 of this course, I was required to reflect upon and document how I incorporate technology in my classroom and professional life. I was also asked to read and learn about the TPACK model, which shows that there should be equal parts of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge. Over the course of the week, I was able to truly look at the technologies that I have used and rely upon to educate my students and I found some positive aspects as well as areas that I need to work on.

//**Impact**//: I have always looked at technology as a "better way" to teach, mainly because it adds a little variety to the grudge and drudge of worksheets and papers. However, I am guilty of using technology in a very one dimensional aspect, particularly my SMART board and computers. I often refer to my SMART board as MY favorite toy, but I realize that I am not utilizing it as much as I should with my students. I should have the students interacting more with the board to help promote their learning.

Another focus I had during this module was the types of technology I was using to deliver my lessons. When completing the pre-competencies verification, I thought that I was good to go on all of the standards. I surely could come up with something to meet each one, however I found that I am really not branching out of my comfort zone. I tend to choose technology that is "fool-proof" because I fear what could go wrong with new technologies and how to adjust to those issues. I consider myself a "planned to the T" kind of person and I have issues with trying to adjust my lessons when an obstacle comes along. Originally, before reading the TPACK information, I believed that any lesson could be made better by putting technology into the lesson. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Just because a lesson has technology, the students are not guaranteed to master the content because of the technology. Even though I bring technology into my classroom, I am not utilizing it to its full potential. I am guilty of having unequal "circles" on the TPACK model.

//**Intent**//: What have I learned from this module? As an educator, I have yet another source that proves planning is one of the most important aspects of teaching. When it comes to planning, I need to establish first the objectives I want my students to master, then the assessments I will use to evaluate their progress, and finally the technology that can be incorporated. I cannot base my lessons on technology, but rather use the technology as a facilitator of showing mastery of standards and concepts. Therefore, I intend to discover new technologies available for teaching the content knowledge. I have already looked into different technologies that colleagues have posted to the discussion boards, mainly Earobics and Virtual field trips. I am ready to start equalizing the amount of technology with my content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge in my classroom.