This term I have learned more than I thought I would about integrating technology into the classroom. I entered this class thinking that I knew everything that I needed to know about technology and its uses in the classroom. Through various weekly discussion questions I was able to contemplate the use and effectiveness of technology for students authentically. During week two of this class, one of the discussion questions focused on how we could use technology to personalize and enhance instruction for the betterment of our students. I thought this was such an easy question, but once I pondered it I realized that in the classroom I haven't authentically used technology to personalize and enhance technology. In researching and reading, I learned that some teachers do not believe many technological tools to be effective, beneficial, or educational enough for students. I learned that the right technology, backed by the right curriculum can be effective, beneficial, and educational for students. It's just a matter of trial and error to find the right technology that fits our learners.
I also learned that technology integration should be effectively researched by teachers. Teachers who research the technology that they integrate into the classroom are truly keeping their students in mind. I once had the thought that technology could just be placed into instruction based solely on the fact that it was related to the topic being learned. But, after one discussion post I realized that just inserting technology into a lesson is not enough. During the eighth week of this course, one discussion post really got me thinking about how important it is for teachers to be continuous learners in the spirit of researching all forms of technology to see what works for our students. I feel that this course has really made me a more informed teacher. I loved websites like Animoto that showed me a great way to help students show and express what they have learned. I feel that I can effectively apply what I have learned in this class into my daily instruction. There are many ways to integrate technology in the classroom, but I have learned how to become that effective teacher who does her research to help my students learn at their best.
