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Blog 8! Looking in the Mirror

 Reflecting on My Growth: Teaching with Technology As I wrap up this course, I find myself reflecting on the significant journey I’ve undertaken in understanding and integrating technology into teaching. This final blog post provides an opportunity to synthesize my growth and revisit the key questions and reflections from earlier modules. Revisiting Module 1: Balancing Technology and Learning At the outset of this course, I grappled with the question of how to strike a balance between leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes and ensuring that students develop critical thinking skills and retain foundational knowledge. Initially, my approach to integrating technology was quite straightforward—I saw it primarily as a tool for engagement and efficiency. However, as I progressed through the modules, I realized that effective use of technology goes beyond just making lessons more interesting or interactive.  Growth in Knowledge, Skills, and Understanding 1. Deepened Under...

MOD 7: Questions That Need Answers!

Questions that Need Answers! 1. What is the difference between a digital citizen and a digital leader in the context of education? Answer: A digital citizen responsibly uses technology and participates in online communities with awareness and respect. A digital leader, however, goes beyond this by guiding others in using technology effectively, advocating for innovative tech solutions, and influencing best practices in digital literacy and online presence. 2. Can beginning teachers or pre-service teachers be digital leaders, and if so, how Answer: Yes, beginning or pre-service teachers can be digital leaders by adopting innovative technology practices, sharing their tech-savvy knowledge with colleagues, participating in professional learning communities online, and leading by example in responsible digital behavior and online engagement. 3. What roles do experienced teachers and new teachers play in digital leadership? Answer:Experienced teachers often contribute through mentorship, sh...

MOD 6: Letter to ME

 Dear Future Me, As you dive into the daily hustle and bustle of your teaching career, I wanted to take a moment to remind you of some key principles from our Design Thinking (DT) module. These insights are crucial for staying innovative and effective in your approach to problem-solving and teaching. Remember, Design Thinking isn't just a methodology; it's a mindset that can significantly enhance the learning experiences you create for your students. 1. Embrace Divergent Thinking:    Design Thinking encourages you to explore a multitude of potential solutions rather than settling on the first idea that comes to mind. Keep brainstorming and allowing your students to think beyond traditional boundaries. The goal is to generate diverse ideas and refine them through experimentation. 2. Prioritize User-Centered Solutions:    Always focus on the needs and perspectives of your students. Solutions should be designed with the user in mind, aiming to address their specifi...

Mod 5: Calling All Creatives!!!

 3-2-1 Format: 3 Take-Away Ideas: 1. Creativity is Teachable: The module emphasizes that creativity is a teachable skill rather than just an innate talent. I resonate with this personally so much. People often approach me at showcases stating, "wow, I wish I could do this". My response of "YOU CAN" always surprises them. It amazes me how discouraged people are to pursue art because they feel as if you have to have a natural talent in order to begin. This perspective is empowering for educators, as it suggests that all students can develop and enhance their creative thinking abilities through intentional instruction and practice. 2.Importance of Creativity in Problem Solving: Creativity plays a crucial role in problem-solving skills. Teachers who integrate technology in transformative ways and focus on fostering creativity in learning environments can significantly enhance students' problem-solving abilities. Art is all about making mistakes then making the mista...

MOD 4: Navigating My Way Into Education using COMPASS Questions

 E: The concept of backward design excites me. Starting with the end learning goals in mind and designing instructional activities to support those goals ensures that technology integration is purposeful and enhances learning outcomes. Backward design aligns with learner-centered approaches and promotes deep understanding and meaningful learning experiences. W: The overwhelming abundance of technology tools available for classroom use is worrisome. With so many options, educators may struggle to select the most appropriate tools that align with their instructional goals and meet the needs of diverse learners. The risk of decision paralysis and ineffective integration is heightened when faced with such a vast array of choices. N: I need to know more about how to effectively assess student learning using technology tools. While the module provides insight into formative assessment methods and suggests various tools like Google Docs and Socrative, I would like to explore in more detai...

Nurturing Deep Learning in a Digital Age Super Easy (Module 2)

  Nurturing Deep Learning in a Digital Age Super Easy  (Module 2) Here are 10 simplified ways educators can nurture deep learning in a digital age.  1. Use technology to deepen learning. 2. Prioritize student-centered learning. 3. Empowerment in education involves more than just technology. 4. Follow the Meaningful Learning Framework for effective teaching. 5. Embrace a constructivist approach to learning. 6. Make informed choices about using technology in teaching. 7. Foster an empowering classroom culture. 8. Shift to student-centered instruction gradually. 9. Maintain a balanced instructional approach. 10. Integrate empowerment skills throughout the curriculum.

Embracing Technology in Education: A Reflection on Interview Questions

  Embracing Technology in Education: A Reflection on Interview Questions As emerging and youthful educators we know that the structure of our education system is shifting every day. To keep up with these changes, it is vital that teaching practices reflect our understanding and value of the use of technology. This introduction week was essential in learning about the importance of integrating technology in our schools and how to do so. With one of the assignments being to come up with interview questions that provide valuable insights into our readiness to navigate the intersection of eduction and technology. Reflecting on a couple of these questions allowed me to understand my comfortability level and experience with technology in the learning environment i will soon provide to students. Here is one question that I reflected deeply on and my initial thought: 1. How do you address concerns about screen time and digital distractions while utilizing technology in the classroom. My t...