Reflections+of+Course-Based+Embedded+Assignments

====In this course, "Teaching with Technology", we formed collaborative groups of three to five students to solve a scenario in which we created lessons, activities and assessments that could be used with all students, especially those with special needs such as hearing impairments and low achievers. We were exposed to and learned about a variety of technology sites and activities that could enable a teacher to help all students in his or her classroom. The Universal Design of Learning website and its' E-Book component were incredibly helpful in our solution to not only the scenario but also to use in my classroom. My collaborative team used Google Docs and Skype meetings to work together, plan and put together this solution and its components.====

====The E-Book technology located through the Universal Design of Learning website was incredibly useful to me, and I thought to share it with my coworkers. I have not heard back from anyone, but I have used it in my own classroom. My classroom has a set of iPod Touches, and my students are able to access any E-Book I create through the iPods. This way, they may all work at their own pace, use the coaches as they will and not have to relocate to a computer lab. My students have told me that they enjoy the E-Book technology, and I hope to hear that other teachers have used this assistive technology as well. From our textbook, Web 2.0: New tools, new schools, a quote that stood out to reflect my concerns stated, "As any teacher of technology has experienced, as soon as you learn a new tool and feel comfortable enough to begin teaching it in your classroom, that technology is old and you are moving on! Well, be brave and take a risk, our new digital learners have different strategies, different needs and totally different outcomes that WORK!” I hope that my co-workers embrace this idea and try out the E-Book site in their own classrooms. Our other textbook, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works stated,“Teachers who have brought technology into their classrooms are aware that it provides an opportunity to differentiate instruction and change their classrooms into dynamic learning environments.” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.). Only through the use of a variety of technology will teachers be able to reach all of their students.====

====Constructivism was also discussed in this coursework. The idea of constructivism makes sense and seems like common sense, though I wonder how many teachers actually consider it in their teaching practices. A research article from the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory stated that, "Constructivism is a theory of learning, but it does not dictate how that theory should be translated into classroom practice. It is up to teachers and other educators to provide environments that support the ways students learn--learner-centered classrooms. Lessons that allow little opportunity for student response or discussion are not learner-centered; the focus is on the text or on the teacher. Such teacher-centered classrooms are often described as "traditional," although there are many time-honored instructional strategies that do not fit the teacher-centered model." (SEDL,1999). Yet another quote from an article from Spargue and Dede states that, "Teachers who believe that learning should be interesting and meaningful for students need to move past their concern that constructivist instrucion is "not teaching." Constructivism is loud and noisy, yet engages all students in authentic and meaningful instruction.====

====This course was a step in the right direction in teaching me how to help other teachers in their use of technology. In their book, Bransford, Brown and Cocking stated that, “Several groups have reviewed the literature on technology and learning and concluded that it has great potential to enhance student achievement and teacher learning, but only if it is used appropriately.” Learning how to use technology to the advantage of both students and teachers was the purpose of the course, and I feel that I have gained much knowledge from it.====

====Spargue, D. & Dede, C. (1999). If I teach this way, Am I doing my job; Constructivism in the Classroom. Leadning and Learning, 27(1). Retrieved March 29, 2012 from International Society for Technology in Education at @http://imet.csus.edu/imet9/280/docs/dede_constructivisim.pdf====