Week 8 EQs

EQ 1: What have you learned during your Field Experience for this course? Provide a summary for the learning activities that you have observed and in which you have participated.

During my Field Experience for this class, I realized that there is not a lot of focus on technology. The teacher I observed had three computers in the classroom for student use. The students mostly used them for taking AR tests. Furthermore, the classroom had one LCD projector which the teacher used for displaying worksheets. She introduced new concepts by completing the worksheets together in class. She also used PowerPoint to provide visual references for topics, such as fractions. The students were engaged and participated in answering questions during the presentation.

Two of the days I visited, the students went to the computer lab to work on a program they called "Cosmic Reading." The students complete word puzzles, strategic games with word work, and write short essays about a book they read. I really liked to see that computer lab had a purpose instead of playing games the whole time. Most of the kids were on task while some needed guidance to stay on track.

In my time I spent in the classroom, I was able to participate in the guided reading activities. There was an aide that was also in the room, so all three of us took a group of students and spread out. The students were reading leveled readers and focused on different topics. After one group finished reading, we rotated groups.

A spin-off to the guided reading groups is a program the school called "Power Half-Hour." The three second grade classes are divided into groups depending on what they need help with the most. I have seen this in some schools; however, this is the first school I have visited that groups them based on the skills they need help with instead of the level they perform at. The students really are getting the help they need and the instruction provided is meaningful.

Another aspect I was involved in was circulating the room and providing assistance to students who needed it. Most of the students were independent workers; however, there were a few students that needed guidance. I was surprised to see that most of the kids who asked for help knew how to answer the question, but they lacked the confidence to commit to an answer.

During this Field Experience, the teacher allowed me to teach a lesson! Although it was not required, I was excited to take on this request. It was a simple Science lesson that focused on characteristics and adaptations of reptiles and amphibians. The teacher informed me the class had not learned about adaptations yet, but I was ready to take it on! I followed the basal plan because I only had one day to prepare. Since this field experience was for this technology class, I wanted to incorporate some visual images to project onto the whiteboard via the LCD projector. However, as technology has a tendency to not cooperate, my internet was not working that night or the morning I was supposed to present the lesson. So, I had to present my lesson without technology. I did learn the valuable lesson of having a backup plan. I will take that with me into my own classroom.

In conclusion, I have realized that a teacher can utilize the technology available in the classroom in creative ways. The teacher has to be willing to adapt lessons and presentations in such a way that it provides meaningful instruction while engaging students. As a teacher, I have to think outside the box and work with what is available.



EQ 2: What lessons did you learn about yourself (such as perspectives, attitudes, and skills) with regards to learning and teaching with technology? How different are you today, compared to Week 1 of this course?

During this class, I have learned that technology is not about having the newest and best devices out there, but it is how you use what you have to make learning meaningful and engaging. My attitudes toward some of the programs out there have changed dramatically. I am not afraid to venture out and see what I can take with me into the classroom. I learned how to utilize Google Documents when working with my learning circle. I also learned how to integrate video into PowerPoint presentations to provide emphasis for important points. I have also seen how wikis can play a big part in student learning and collaboration.

I am more comfortable with technology and realize the importance it has for the next generation of students. The last video we watched, "A Vision of K-12 Students Today," really impacted me. I realized how much our youth relies on technology to accomplish everyday tasks and how much they use it for leisure. Our students are crying out to have meaningful and engaging learning experiences. If teachers remain stagnant with their teaching practices, student learning, success, and achievement will remain stagnant. The future lies in our hands and it is so important that schools enter into the world of technology. Most places of business are branching out in order to remain industry current and to expand their horizons. Since schools are mostly preparing students to enter the business world, we should teach them how to interact with technology as much as possible to give them an edge.

Overall, my attitude toward technology has changed. I am more comfortable with figuring out ways to use it in the classroom. My perspectives have changed because now I realize it is not necessarily the type of technology I have access to, it is how I choose to incorporate into my daily activities.

I look forward to opportunities to increase my skills in technology applications. I know that technology is constantly changing and that I will need to stay up to date with the changes to provide the best opportunities for my students.