Reflection

EDUC 360 Reflection 

What is New to Me
Symbaloo is a brand-new tool that I am now using like a fork. It is so natural to find a reliable source and just create an icon for it, in the appropriate category.
I can’t believe I can use PowToons. This presentation tool made me so crazy because of its bugs, but I’m getting the hang of it, maybe I’ll pay for the upgrade to get some of the better slides available in the future.
Previous Thoughts Confirmed Here
Alright, its true, I’m in pre-service training for my masters in technology in education, and until now, I had not been given the chance to play with the technology tools I have done so much research on. Someday, a school or organization is going to want my experience to develop their product, and honestly, I had not really been challenged in my program to actually use the tools presented here in this class. Perhaps blogs, but not apps, gaming, presentation animation tools, Symbaloo and PowToons.

Questions:
I still have questions. I will always have questions. I want to know exactly what educators need in the classroom to be successful with technology. Is it hardware, the software, or support. How can I support them in this particular area, and even with the growing need, how much do they really want it, on top of all the responsibilities that are pressuring teachers with today?
Incorporated practices
If God provides me the opportunity to work in the field of education, particularly online distance education, I will coach and teach with technology that is collaborative, problem-based, student-centered, blended and technology driven as an academic focus. I will incorporate blogs, google hangouts, social media, and of course new presentation tools which include video production. I will also use gaming techniques to build mastery and enforce critical thinking and strategic problem solving.
Confidence
Well, I admit I am still a bit nervous about incorporating technology. Not because I don’t know how to use it, but the very fact that the education system is still incredibly slow at changing. Students need technology skills to secure jobs in today’s economy. Students today are technology driven. Some call them screenagers, others call them digital natives, or digital first language. I am not entirely confident that I can keep pace with their learning style. Maybe I can lead the way by presenting questions, but I know they will continue to help me. I am confident in my teaching ability, I know if I just continue to learn, I can help others grow, both academically and spiritually.

Conclusion
This course had a powerful influence on the technology resources I will use in the future. I’m often doing research about technology in education, but I don’t get the opportunity to explore it and learn what in-service educators are using in the field. I cannot believe the number of academically designed apps there are for students and teachers that are absolutely free. I give thanks to Dr. Gilbreath for her dedication to teach me about these tools and allowing me to grow personally and spiritually by letting me learn by trial and error.


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