Final Post

During the course of Learning through Technology I have acquired several new technological skills.  I have learned many tools that will be useful during my endeavor as an educator.  Some of my learning highlights include blogging, creating a web-quest and learning about technology standards.  I have found how several teachers keep a blog.  I have also learned a way to store all of these blogs in Diigo.  From the beginning of class to now, I feel much more comfortable with integrating technology in my lesson plans.  I have gained a bunch of tools that will be relevant to elementary students. 

Course Objectives I have met during the second half of the term:

3. Illustrate through application how state and national standards are implemented within the curriculum

This objective was met during the creation of the lesson plan.  It was the first time I ever created a lesson plan.  I first picked my topic based on 4^th grade curriculum as seen in the state standards.  I also chose an online activity based on INETs standards.  It was a successful way for me to show how the standards could be applied in the classroom

5. Evaluate and reflect on emerging tools and trends by reviewing current research and professional literature

During class time, we reflected upon how we liked to use different tools.  Before creating the web-quest the class was broken up and we all learned a different website to create the web-quest in.  It was a great presentation of several items that could do the same thing.  I focused on Weebly.  I also leaned to use Animoto for digital stories.  I personally enjoyed using Prezi, a similar tool to PowerPoint but more interactive. 

6. Turn theory into practice by completing five hours of related field work

I visited a 3^rd grade classroom at Hooksett Memorial School towards the end of the term.  This was my first experience observing a class.  It was an eye-opening experience and it helped me prepare myself for the future.  I also learned how much technology is really being used in the classroom and how. 

Technology and Education in the 21^st century should be hand in hand.  It is important for teachers of all grade levels to be incorporating technology because of its vast use in today’s society.  Children are learning how to swipe open an iPad before they learn to walk.  Technology surrounds us and using it for education should be second nature.  A main barrier to technology is that teachers are uneducated in technology themselves.  Educators need to be comfortable with these tools and integrate technology in lesson plans.  I believe some teachers may feel they are behind with technology and embarrassed that the students know more than they do.  Teachers need to be comfortable with students helping them learn new technology.  It is ok for students to help teachers learn.  Several tools would help with technology integration.  Using Google would cover several helpful tools.  Students could have emails, worksheets and documents could be transferred through Google Drive and Google Docs, and students could have blogs on Blogger.  Diigo would be another helpful tool.  It could hold a list of websites the teacher could use for a variety on topics.  Lastly, Weebly, would be another great tool.  It would be a website for the teacher.  The teacher could use this to keep parents in the loop for weekly curriculum topics along with other items.  I very much enjoyed Learning through Technology and the insight I gained about integrating technology into my curriculum.