As I reflect on the "Big Picture" activity this week, It made me think about how I can take all these resources from my graphic and with a clear vision, collaboration, solid implementation, and close reflection, I can enhance the way my students are able to learn in the classroom. In the upper portion of my graphic, I made a section for resources, which I broke into the three categories mention in the textbook: Websites, Applications, & Hardware. I then had to reflect on my own experience and I was able to draw on examples from this and other courses in order to fill out each category with examples. Underneath my three categories, I created a flowchart using a software/website called draw.io, where I demonstrated the process of how technology is used and integrated into the curriculum. The next section of my graphic touched upon the general approaches utilized in the classroom. I decided to choose Game-Based Learning and Project-Based Learning. Both of which I make a conscious effort to implement into my classroom and both I feel strongly about the benefits towards students. The third section sort of is the product or culmination of the previous two sections. It speaks about the products or artifacts students can create with the integration of technology into the classroom. I decided to break it down into three subsections: Blogs, Portfolios, & General Creations. The more I reflect on it, they could all be classified under general creations but I decided to be more specific on what type of creations. I then went on to list specific examples for each category on what students could create or innovate for all of them. This activity really enhanced my knowledge on the kinds of edtech resources and practices that are currently being used or the ones that are readily available at our fingertips.
0 Comments
What did you learn from Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 of our textbook?
Chapters 5 and 6 from The Tech Advocate's Guide to Leading Change in Schools by Mark Gura provided both an overview of creating a vision and then ultimately, making that vision a reality. Before this course, I was unaware that a "technology plan" was an actual document with a vision, needs assessment, goals / objectives, and other articles. The more I reflect on it, it's completely obvious how important it is to have such document in place. Technology is an essential tool that allows students and staff opportunities to communicate, collaborate and create. It's important to reflect on ideas like "where we are", "where are we going", and "how are we going to get there". f you don't have a plan/vision, it is difficult to have an idea about where you need to be heading. Then, once you have a concrete plan to those questions above, its important to consider what is it going to take to get us to our goal and that is where PD comes into play. It's important to come up with meaningful PD that is selected from multiple members of the staff or a technology team. The PD sessions should ultimately guide your district towards the visions and goals they have. Throughout my lifelong education journey, I have heard the term TPACK on different occasions but never took the time to dive in and understand what it means and how if could better my skills as an educator. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is a framework to understand and describe the kinds of knowledge needed by a teacher for effective pedagogical practice in a technology-enhanced learning environment. Gura, Mark. The EdTech Advocate's Guide to Leading Change in Schools (p. 40). It is made from different components, including Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), Content Knowledge (CK), and Technology Knowledge (TK).
I think this framework resonated with me the most because it considers the different components equally and doesn't rank them in order of importance. Most teachers recognize the benefits technology can have in the classroom but few actually have the courage to take the risk and face that challenge. TPACK shows us that there’s a relationship between technology, content, and pedagogy, and the purposeful blending of them is key. Because it considers these three important domains, the TPACK framework becomes a productive way to consider how teachers could integrate purposeful educational technology into the classroom and thus create a more meaningful learning experience for my students. |
MSET Program > CET 720 Leading Evaluation & Change in the Educational Technology Environment
AuthorMy name is Matthew Brue and I graduated from Dakota State University with a K-12 Computer Education Degree. I am currently pursuing my Masters Degree in Educational Technology. I obtained a minor in Computer Information Systems, as well as K-12 Technology minor. I work at the Tea Area School District as a Middle School Technology Teacher. Archives
April 2021
Categories |