My Personal
Reflection
At the beginning of the course educational technology, we were asked to tell what we think is educational technology and to say what we have hope to learn by doing this course. Interestingly that which is I did say I expected to learn has been fulfilled. I have learn so much doing this course. I have learnt how it is that learning theories are relevant as we seek to tap into using various tools to maximize learning outcomes. I have been able to make the necessary link between each theory and how it can be used vis-à-vis educational technology tools in the classroom. I am able to now make the link between behavioral theories and cognitive theories and how they factor in with educational technology. So it is all about how a teacher is able to integrate technology tools with learning theories.
Instructional Planning
I also learn about instructional planning which captures the idea of teachers learning to create a lesson plan that is a sophisticated approach to teaching and learning. I learnt about the ASSURE and ADDIE model. The ASSURE model is based upon six significant concepts which are: Analyse learners, State objectives, State methods, media and materials, Utilize media and materials, Require learner participation and finally Evaluate and revise. These six concepts are directly linked and interdependent on each other wherein each aspect significantly influences the outcome or effectiveness of the other. For example, since the analysis of learners include their learning styles, socioeconomic background, ethnic group etc.; a thorough analysis of those factors will influence the level of which the objectives would be, whether higher or lower level.
Similarly the principle concepts of
the ADDIE are interdependent and consequentially one influences the other.
Based on five phases in designing instructions: Analysis-defining of what is to
be learned, Design-specifying how it is to be learnt, Development-authoring and
producing materials, Implementation-executing instruction and Evaluating –
determining the effectiveness of instruction, it is constructed based on a
sophisticated and advanced approach to lesson design to harness the best
outcomes. Though both models are slightly different they are similar in
approach and principle. As such, I am fully convinced in my belief that these
models can be used to guide effective technology integration in the classroom.
I now know how to create an ASSURE lesson plan and also how to execute the
lesson based the plan utilizing interactive PowerPoints, digital stories and
other online platforms.
Digital Assessment
I then learn about assessment in the 21st century. If you are going to use digital tools to engage students then it also critical that one can use digital tools to assess them. I was exposed to a wide range of technological tools that can be used to assess students. I was asked to explore the advantages and disadvantages of digital assessment in the 21st century. As I explored such an area, I realize that one of the major disadvantages is the digital divide which speaks significantly about how many students do not have access to the right type of technological devices that are required to engage all students. Then you think about that fact that it cannot work for all areas of assessment and may not work for certain children for example those with special needs. However as I explored the advantages and weigh them against the disadvantages it was clear that it outweighs the disadvantages. I learn about tools such as socrative, google forms, and web 2.0 tools. There are a plethora of tools out there that teachers can use to engage students.
Trends in Educational Technology
Finally I learnt about the current trends in educational technology and to explore which of these would have a lasting impression on educational technology in the 21st century. I explored five trends but that which stands out most is the flipped classroom. This is sometimes referred to as reverse learning. Normally students would learn at school and do homework at home, but the flipped classroom challenges the status quo and by extension challenges teachers. Now, students do the reading and garnering of content at home, through online videos and/or video conferencing then they come to class and do the ‘homework’. Hence the word flipped. It has various advantages, because now, students can now get personal feedback and interaction with teachers and also among themselves. It allows learning to be fun and interesting.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, it is imperative that all teachers learn the requisite skills so as to capture the interests of the digital natives that currently exist. It is critical that teachers have competence in all the areas from the integration of theories with technological platforms to the trends in educational technology. Teachers need to know to create a lesson plan that is design to utilizing these tools and how to execute such lesson. Teachers need be familiar with digital assessment tools so that they can utilize them in various context, we need to know the trends and how to apply ourselves and be parallel with them. Therefore educational technology is relevant to each teacher’s development, as each of us seek to be that dynamic, 21st century teacher that we ought to be.
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