Blog #6 - Educational Technology End of Semester Reflections

In my 5-week practicum, I've learned a lot utilizing technology in the classroom. There are many forms of technology that is accessible in my classroom (laptops, ipads, smartboard, google slides, GoNoodle) that has has revolutionized the way I learn and teach.

My burning question from the beginning of the semester was; How are teachers who aren't as digitally skilled supported so that they can navigate around any technologies used in their classroom? This course has helped me answer this burning question by being open minded to technology and understanding that you don't need to be an expert in all things digital as long as there is a willingness to try and know that you'll most likely fail before you succeed. My perspective about integrating technology in the classroom changed from someone who was nervous about using things like Scratch because I didn't know how to navigate it at all. And since I didn't know, I felt under prepared of what practicum might bring because I felt like I needed to know everything but I didn't. Coming out of practicum, I can say that I don't need to know everything when it comes to technology. 

I have learned a lot from the people around me when it came to technology. This course has helped me learn different tools to use in the classroom. In a Grade 2 classroom, using technology effectively involves not only teaching but also learning from both the students and my mentor teacher. 

I contribute to the learning of others by integrating technology in ways that engage and educate my students. In these 5 weeks, I've introduce interactive exit slips using Plicker cards, used online word games to help engage students while learning about phonics, and used GoNoodle for movement breaks. I've also contributed to others by sharing my knowledge about technology with my peers, demonstrating how specific tools or apps align with the curriculum and benefit student learning. 

Grade 2 students often possess a curiosity and comfort with technology. Observing how they interact with technology offers insights into finding innovative ways of using technology for learning. For example, my grade 2 classroom loves playing Prodigy during our computer time. This is an interactive video game where students get to fight monsters and travel to lands by answering math questions that align with what we are learning in math.

My mentor teacher has taught me to use google slides in my lessons. Google Slides allows for interactive presentations that captivate students. My mentor teacher has showed me that including images, videos, and interactive elements like clickable links or embedded quizzes make my lessons more engaging. She has also taught me that Google Slides can be used for assessment purposes. For instance, my MT created exercises within our math slides. It would have a question at the top, What is greater? and have two answers where students had to show their answer by either doing jumping jacks or sit ups. For example; 

Overall, my MT's guidance exemplifies how technology like Google Slides can elevate teaching practices and engage students in collaborative and engaging educational experiences. Using technology has indeed broadened my perspective and given me encouragement to become more confident and adaptive in integrating technology in the classroom.