Module+2+Reflection

How do the artifacts in your pre-competencies verification reflect your technology use as an educator? In light of your learning about TPACK, identify areas of improvement needed.

This reflection will focus on what I experienced and learned during Module 2 of our Introduction to Technology course. During this two week period, our cohort was given opportunities to organize artifacts that demonstrate our use of technology as teachers as well as reflect upon the experiences we have had when using that technology. We also shared ideas and thoughts through discussion board regarding TPACK and how technology is used in our school buildings. I will explain what I have gained from this time of reflection and what areas I feel I need to improve upon.
 * Description **

This module has allowed me to take a look at the big picture of how I use technology in my teaching practices. Sometimes I forget to take time to reflect on my overall practices because I am so focused on planning for specific lessons. I found that I do use more technology than I thought I did. I know that I have a long ways to go, but I do feel that I have done a decent job of incorporating technology when there is not much to be utilized in my school district. I understand that there are technologies available for free, but I have found most of them require student computers or a projector to allow students to view or interact with them. My classroom currently only has 3 old student computers and I can only borrow a projector from time to time, as a handful of projectors are shared with many colleagues. Also, due to low economic-status, many of my students do not have access to computers or internet access at home. However, this module has motivated me to continue finding ways to overcome these obstacles. When creating my technology compentency verification wiki, I was able to take a closer look at the technology standards for teachers and reflect on which standards I most often address. I did notice that I favored certain indicators within the different standards more than others. In my opinion, I need to improve on my attention to the following indicators... **Standard # 1, b.** engages students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. **Standard # 4, d.** develop and model cutural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools. Of course, I want to improve upon my use and incorporation of technology across all standards! This module also helped be better understand the TPACK model and its implications for teaching. I now understand that while technology is important for student learning, it shouldn't become the reason for planning instruction. Rather, students' needs and learning goals should be established and then appropriate technology should be incorporated if it will truly enhance student learning.
 * Impact **

It is my intent to continue to find ways to incorporate technology into my teaching practices. I also plan to finish my classroom website and encourage my adminstrator to look into funding different types of technology equipment and software that will provide our staff with more options. I also hope to help my administrator better understand the idea behind TPACK, as I'm afraid he is so focused on seeing technology used in the classrooms, that he does not seem to care if it is the technology appropriate for optimizing student learning. Overall, I plan to take the technology standards for teachers under more consideration when designing my instruction.
 * Intent **