811 Final Reflection

Overall, I've enjoyed 811 and feel that I was introduced to many new tools and technologies I might not have explored had I not taken the course. Though I've only taken 810, 811, and 812, I've enjoyed the objectives and focus of 811 the most thus far.

Prior to this course, I was not familiar with UDL principles or STAIRs (at least not formally) and feel that I have benefited from considering these principles and creating my own STAIR (which I plan to use this fall). What I have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology into the classroom is that which tools I choose to use and how I decide to utilize them must be meaningful, relevant, and effective in addressing MI English and math standards. More often than not, technology is included in lessons because that's what many teachers think they need to do in order to "update" their lessons for the 21st century. I do believe that recursive teaching and backwards planning will help me to create more meaningful lessons which capitalize on the benefits of using technology in the classroom.

Interestingly enough, I've developed websites in the past using other tools (i.e. iWeb), but genuinely enjoyed interacting with other web-based technologies (i.e. Google sites). As an English teacher (though I believe any teacher could vouch for this), I discuss with my students how important it is to evaluate texts (especially those online), and this course helped reinforce those principles which I have already prioritized in my own teaching. Also, I believe that setting clear objectives when using technology (i.e. how will this lesson become better because I chose to use this tool?) will help me as I continue to evaluate the uses of technology in my classroom.

I believe learning is a life-long journey and enjoy using technology and learning how to make it more relevant and effective in my teaching, which is why I applied to the MAET program at MSU. Many of the personal goals I've made over the course of this summer will be easier to evaluate once I'm back in school, but I do feel that I'm more confident in using new tools such as Google Apps and have learned much more advanced processes within these applications. I don't necessarily have any "new" goals (as the objectives I've set for myself will come into practice this fall), but I do plan to utilize the resources I have at work this upcoming school year (i.e. colleagues, media specialist, etc.) in order to help me better understand new technologies I choose to integrate into my lessons. My plan is to use the new tools and applications I've learned about through this course in lessons this fall and plan to refine those lessons for the spring. Technology is always changing, therefore my plans and goals will need to change with it. Also, as as final note, MI is in an "educational limbo" as of late, and with new standards, I will need to ensure that the technology I choose to use is effective in helping my students learn.