I’ve
learned a lot about teaching strategies. CEP810 was a lot of “stuff”
besides just content. Children need to learn about Internet safety.
They need to be prepared, in order to not provide personal information or
visit unsafe websites. CEP811 has been more about using technology for
differentiating. For example, making a
lesson the most accessible to all students.
One of the most interesting parts about evaluating technologies has been
incorporating the standards. During
undergrad, I was never made aware of the Michigan Technology Standards. None of my coworkers are either. I feel like I can already be a better
advocate for this.
When
I showed my students my STAIR project, the kids loved the interactive features
of it. Another goal of mine will be to
use these type of features in my class more often. I always used the fact that I didn’t have
technology, such as an Interactive Whiteboard, as a crutch. However that
shouldn’t limit the interaction my students have with their learning. I could create interactive questions on a
daily or weekly basis to remind students of past concepts and assess
understanding.
Since starting CEP 811, I’ve been making
progress on my goals. I completed a
project with my students, in which the children are all worked together to
compile one digital storybook. They were really excited about using this
new technology to “publish” their work. Now they can’t wait to publish
their own independent work. This would
be a future goal. I still have a lot
more to do in reaching my other goals, such as contributing to a blog
frequently and contributing to Teachers Pay Teachers. But, I have actually begun posting to the
website and have sold two items, so I’m pretty excited.
I
wanted to thank you for these last eight weeks. I survived my second
graduate school class as a mother, teacher, and wife. I’m gradually
starting to think that I can do it!