I can remember when I was looking at the classes required to get a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University, the Internet tools in classroom class title stood out to me most. As a personal goal, I have always wanted to improve my students’ ability to use the internet to aid in their learning. This class has opened my eyes to a wide variety of tools to enhance the use of technology in the classroom. This class introduced online tools and forced us to experience them and come up with creative ways to implement the use of the tools in the classroom.
All the tools introduced have value in my classroom but here are a few that I have already started using often: blogging, social bookmarking, screen casting and pod casting. I know that writing in science is important but in the past I’ve had problems motivating students to do quality writing in science. However, since trying writing in science from a blogging perspective the students have presented enduring understanding in ways that I haven’t seen since I started teaching. Students are finding connections to the concepts faster because there are responding to discussion in their own voice and they are carrying on content rich text with their peers.
Social book making has benefited the science department because we have made a group on Diigo to share web content and sites with one another. We are building a huge web resource for us to use year after year. The resource is a combination of content specific science interactives, simulations, articles, and videos.
Screen casting has been a big hit in the classroom for me. I have created screencast to give instructions on assignments, record lessons, and I have also required my student to use it for presentations or projects. My students love to make the own production to display their knowledge. Some of my students even made screencast to for me to use with students to help them navigate through our online learning management system called Schoology.
I feel so much more equipped to engage my students using Web 2.0 tools, especially after the development of the Lesson Plan Project required for this class. I’m prepared to face the issues that come with online learning and making sure that my designed lessons that are equitable for all students. The ELL module exposed me to new ideas and knowledge to help me reach more of the ELL students that are immersed into my classroom with different levels of English proficiency. The class was truly helpful in my journey to becoming a technology coach and master of instructional technology. Thank you Dr. Frazier.
All the tools introduced have value in my classroom but here are a few that I have already started using often: blogging, social bookmarking, screen casting and pod casting. I know that writing in science is important but in the past I’ve had problems motivating students to do quality writing in science. However, since trying writing in science from a blogging perspective the students have presented enduring understanding in ways that I haven’t seen since I started teaching. Students are finding connections to the concepts faster because there are responding to discussion in their own voice and they are carrying on content rich text with their peers.
Social book making has benefited the science department because we have made a group on Diigo to share web content and sites with one another. We are building a huge web resource for us to use year after year. The resource is a combination of content specific science interactives, simulations, articles, and videos.
Screen casting has been a big hit in the classroom for me. I have created screencast to give instructions on assignments, record lessons, and I have also required my student to use it for presentations or projects. My students love to make the own production to display their knowledge. Some of my students even made screencast to for me to use with students to help them navigate through our online learning management system called Schoology.
I feel so much more equipped to engage my students using Web 2.0 tools, especially after the development of the Lesson Plan Project required for this class. I’m prepared to face the issues that come with online learning and making sure that my designed lessons that are equitable for all students. The ELL module exposed me to new ideas and knowledge to help me reach more of the ELL students that are immersed into my classroom with different levels of English proficiency. The class was truly helpful in my journey to becoming a technology coach and master of instructional technology. Thank you Dr. Frazier.