Reflecting on my Ed Tech Journey
As I reflect on my own Ed Tech journey, I realize how this class has opened my mind to the possibilities that world of technology holds for myself and for my learners. To say that my eyes have been opened and my horizons broadened is an understatement. Before this class, I had been learning about ed tech, tools to use and ways to present material to students. But, if I'm honest, I was not on the Ed Tech bandwagon. Before this class I just could not see how I could use technology with my preschool students beyond sharing songs and videos on YouTube. I have learned so much this semester about how I indeed can use technology in effective and meaningful ways with my students--the best part, I am actually putting this knowledge to work and using technology with preschoolers and I am loving it!While there is always room for growth and improvement, I think I have come along way and have tackled projects I never thought possible prior to this class. My Ed Tech toolkit has been greatly expanded to include many tools that I will continue to use with my students. Before this class, I would not have dreamed that I could actually build a blog, begin to create an e-book, or create and use a HyperDoc. This class has helped me to gain a new appreciation for technology, how I can apply it to my own learning, and how to apply it to student learning.
We have discussed the ISTE standards for both students and educators this semester, as a result my knowledge of these standards and how to apply have been added to my Ed Tech repertoire.
ISTE Standards for Educators
As I reflect on the activities, blog posts and artifacts I have created this semester, I am in awe of how much we have covered in such a short time. In reflecting over the artifacts I have created I realize I have fully employed the learner
I continually seek to improve my practice by learning, exploring and applying approaches made possible by technology. This is evident in the variety of experiences we have had this semester as well as in the variety of creations from the semester. In class, there was a lot of focus on exploring applications and resources and then applying the knowledge gained to create a meaningful and relevant resource to use within the learning environment.
Another standard that comes to mind when reflecting over the semester is the Leader standard.
I have collaborated with education professionals to "shape, advance, and accelerate a shared vision for empowered learning with technology." While achieving this standard was not by choice, but rather by the whirlwind of change created by COVID-19 mandates, it nonetheless was a learning experience. I rise to the challenge of pushing my own limits with technology to provide the learning experiences my students need and deserve. Being an advocate for equitable access for all students in making learning opportunities available by problem solving with families and school officials was another way of achieving this standard. Again, we were thrown into a situation where we had to push our own boundaries and create the best possible learning opportunities for our students.
The other ISTE standard that sticks out like neon sign is, designer.
Again, a situation was created where designing authentic learning activities that align with content and maximize deep and active learning was mandatory. I had to learn quickly what learning opportunities could be pulled together and offered in a virtual platform. I used technology to develop and personalize learning experiences for my students that foster independent learning and accommodates different needs of my learners.
ISTE Standards for Students
The ISTE standard for students that really sticks out in my mind is Empowered Learner.
Through the use of choice boards, students are able to "customize their learning environment in ways that support the learning process." By offering students a variety of applications and activities, they are able to demonstrate their learning through different platforms using those apps.
During this experience I feel that through modeling and by providing technological opportunities and experiences, I have helped form the foundation for student learning in the rest of the standards. Students will be provided with many ways to learn and master the ISTE standards, here, I have laid the foundation for that to occur successfully.
Although the semester is coming to an end, I am happy to continue on my Ed Tech Journey to see what new opportunities await.
