Reflection

What are some things that you have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology?
I have learned that there are multiple teaching strategies that can be used when integrating technology. Depending on your goals of the activity, you will be able to choose the most appropriate strategy to enhance learning. It seems as though the most effective strategies involve the "teacher on the side" idea, where the teacher is a resource.

How did integrating web-based technologies help you think about and evaluate uses of technology?
Evaluating web-based technologies such as the WebQuest, Online Learning, Google Docs, Blogs and Wikis allowed me to really process how and when I should use these technologies in my classroom. I was able to critically examine the pros, cons and uses of these and had time to consider applying it into my classroom. Some of these technologies I am able to implement immediately, however the others will take some coordination and time in order for their potentials to be maximized.

How have you met your own personal goals for learning about technology integration?
Not yet. I have definitely taken a gigantic step in the right direction as I learned about so many new programs and technologies during this class. However, I will still need to implement them in my classroom, which seems to be a daunting task. This upcoming fall, my school district is getting SmartBoards and also every student will have a computer. So, there seems to be a lot of changes and I am excited to be using these technologies in my classroom.

Do you have any new goals? What are your plans for reaching your new goals and your long-term goals after this course is over?
Yes! My new goal is to put these technologies into action in my classroom. For this fall, I would like to develop my website, use a blog and google documents. I know that I will have much to learn this fall with the SmartBoards and the student computers, but know that it will make it easier to have this technology in the classroom. After I implement those, I would like to work on using a WebQuest for one of the most important concepts in Algebra, SLOPE! I am excited to bring these new ideas and technologies to my students as I know it will improve and enhance their learning.

Online Experience

All of the activities dicussed in the document could be very benefical in my classroom. I think the best topics to be taught using an online experience would be ones that have depth. Some of the math topics that I teach could not have a project or research ideas designed around them as there just isn't enough information or much "depth" to the topic.

Many of these activities in the online experience use multiple types of pedagogical strategies. I would use scaffolding, deductive, inquiry and inductive strategies within those activities. I feel that in my content area, these are the most efficient method of delivery.

One of the technologies that I'm not sure how to integrate into my classroom yet is an RSS Feed. I struggle with trying to determine how to make it relevant to math and really what to do with it! The technology that I think would take the most coordination would be the interactive discussions with another classroom. This would be a great experience but a challenge!

Google Presenter

I evaluated Google Presentations, which is a part of Google Docs. It is an excellent tool, as it is basically a simplified version of Power Point, where multiple people can work on the document at the same time.

• I liked that you are able to insert any type of multimedia including pictures, videos, tables, or drawing. I also liked the simplicity of the application, as it is very functional and easy to use. I do like that the students are able to save the document as a PowerPoint, PDF or Text Document. There really wasn't much I didn't like about it, however I'm sure if I used it in my classroom there might be something I could find that I wish was different.
• The students would need basic computer knowledge including typing and formatting. They would also need to know how to save a multimedia file (video, picture, etc...) and how to locate it on the computer.
• I could see this application useful in all subject areas as all use some type of presentation tool throughout the year. In my subject area of Math, I could use Google Presentations to have the students collaborate on a specific topic and report their findings. For example, in one of our geometry units, there are many terms that I expect the students to know entering the unit (from the previous year). I split the students into groups and have them research them online and present their findings to the class. This would be a great location to use Google Presentations!!
• Teachers could show an example or video on how to use the application. If you don't know how to do it, then you won't do it!! Also, teacher could include it on the rubric as part of their grade for collaborating using the application.
• Teachers will need to assure that all students have a Google Accounts Login and Password, otherwise they will have to instruct the students on how to set one up. They will also need to assure that their computer lab has access to the Internet and that they can access the Google Sites.