Reflection Part 2

Without a reasonable doubt, educational technology is a dynamic and fun course. It has exposed me to a wide range of tools, online platforms and resources that when used in the correct context is able to meet the needs of students. I was familiar with web 2.0 tools prior to doing this course however, little did I know that they could be used in such a way that it can integrate students in the teaching and learning process so that learning can be fun, interesting and engaging. In high school, I used to watch videos on YouTube, but I cannot recall any of my teachers using a Youtube video to introduce a lesson . I did not have the opportunity to be engaged by technology within the classroom, and as such, I wish to utilize all the tools so I can fully engage all students and to cater to their various learning styles and by extension to meet their learning needs.

Web 2.0 tools include Blogging, Animations, Instructional Videos and Video Sharing, Social Networking, Video Editing Tools, 3D Projects, Games and Quizzes, among others. These tools can be integrated in a lesson so that students can be highly engaged with the very tool that is common to them. I did not only learn about these tools, but also learn to design a sophisticated lesson plan so that these tools can be appropriately integrated to maximise their use to ensure the best learning outcomes. These tools can be used by using an interactive PowerPoint in a lesson. Tools like a digital story encompasses concepts students can relate to and which can take the lesson in a real world context. Blogging and Video Editing allows students to express themselves, to create avenues where they can share their uniqueness to the world and in their immediate environs. Social networking allows students to have online discussions, to collaborate and share information.  These tools allow a teacher to be diverse and integrate the digital natives of the 21^st century. Other tools that teachers can use are Podcast, Wikis and WebQuests, which create an online learning environment for students to be engaged using tablets, smart phones and other technological devices.

I also learn about digital assessment tools, one of the most fun tools I learnt about is Socrative. This is an online platform that allows teachers to create fun games to test students’ knowledge of content taught. According to the website socrative.com, “Socrative lets teachers engage and assess their students with educational activities on tablets, laptops and smartphones. Through the use of real time questioning, instant result aggregation and visualization, teachers can gauge the whole class’ current level of understanding. Socrative saves teachers time so the class can further collaborate, discuss, extend and grow as a community of learners.” This is what we need to utilize in the classroom, it also allows teachers to provide instant feedback to students so that they can improve in weak areas. There are other digital assessment tools that teachers can use, such as Kahoot, Infuse Learning, Answer Garden Quizlet and they come with a plethora of advantages. Teachers can provide instant feedback, they can be interactive and attractive, which traditional forms of assessment can provide, though they do have disadvantages, the advantages are far better.

Nancy Kassebaum said, “There can be infinite uses of the computer and of new age technology, but if teachers themselves are not able to bring it into the classroom and make it work, then it fails.” Therefore, it is of utmost importance that teachers strive to bring these wide range of tools into the classroom in such a way that the digital natives’ needs can be met. It is also important that teachers not bring these tools in the classroom because they can, but bring it in because they understand what is means to be a 21^st century teacher. It is also necessary that the tools are appropriate for the learner and they are used for the intended purpose.

“We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.” – David Warlick