Reflection

As I have previously stated, I rally enjoyed using my GAME PLAN throughout this course. This is one of the first assignments that I have had during my time at Walden to so greatly affect what I am doing in my classroom. The goals that I chose to focus on were two that I have wanted to improve on for quite some time. The format of the GAME PLAN allowed me to do so without feeling overwhelmed. It was ok to take"baby-steps" and I felt encouraged that I did not have to meet my goal in all one time. The gradual progression of the game plan allowed me to really take it seriously while implementing the changes in my classroom.

As far as using more digital aged assessments and lessons, I feel that I have done so. This course helped me to discover multiple technical resources to assist me with this goal. The folder that I have created with technology resources is continuously growing, When I am at school and hear of something that might help me to better meet my goal I take note of it and determine whether or not it would benefit my students. Simply being aware of new technologies and working with others to find new resources has been a growing experience for me.

I have not seen as much progress with my second goal of growing professionally but this is a goal that will continue long after I have completed this course. I have been asking my principal about different PD opportunities and have even joined our technology committee so that I can stay up to date with the help of my co-workers.

This course has opened my eyes to the multiple and various ways that I can implement technology into my first grade classroom. During week 3, we learned about the Universal Design for Learning and how technology can help to meet the needs of all students. This lesson was the most beneficial to me. I believe that all teachers struggle to differentiate. My classroom is filled with students who have unique needs and very different learning styles. I now feel confident that I can use different technologies throughout my lessons to better differentiate. It excites me because not only does it help me with my planning, but I know that my students will benefit as well. "The universal design for learning (UDL) suggests that teachers can remove barriers to learning by providing flexibility in terms of options for materials, methods, and assessments (Ross & Meyer, 2002). (Cennamo, Ross, pg. 116, 2009). The UDL will have a constant presence in my classroom. I have learned a great deal from studying it and am encouraged to continue to implant it's ideals into my classroom.

I will be making some adjustments to instructional practice due to technology integration. I plan to incorporate both digital storytelling and online collaboration. I have already spoke with a teacher who I know from a different school. She loved the idea of having our students read to one another is our distance learning labs. I think this would inspire my students to get reading! This would also be the case with digital-storytelling. Anytime they can hear themselves read they are given the opportunity to evaluate themselves and feel proud of what they have learned.
Overall, this course has provided me with tools that will benefit the students in my classroom. I feel that I have some realistic, new ways to incorporate technology into my class. I am pleased with the changes that I have already made and an inspired to see what else can be done.

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.