Module+2+Reflection

//** Reflection Prompt: How do the artifacts in your pre-competencies verification reflect your technology use as an educator? In light of your learning about TPACK, identify areas of improvement needed. **//

__ //Description// __ This module focused on TPACK and our use of the technology standards in our own classrooms. Discussions and readings this week urged us to focus on our use of technology in our schools, as well as prompting us to look closer at how we incorporate technology in our lessons. We also were to create our web pages for the pre-competencies verification, which will be used throughout our time here in the Instructional Technology program.

// __Impact__ // I felt that this module caused me to be very self-reflective on my own practices with technology. In my district, the use of technology is strongly encouraged and we have been spending lots of money lately to acquire new technology, but I feel like we are still learning what our stance as a district is on technology. I know that it is good and that we supposed to be using it in our classrooms, but I feel like we have been introduced to a lot of new technology with not a lot of guidance in how to properly use these tools to support learning. Maybe part of it is because I am an Arts teacher- The TPCK Handbook very aptly points out that Arts teachers receive less attention than the core classes. Many times when our school gives workshops in technology, we are either not included or the information that is given is directed specifically to the core classes (in my case, we are grouped loosely with the Language Arts Department). In fact, we have recently started using MasteryConnect and BubbleScore this semester and the electives classes are the only ones who are not required to use these programs. (I do upload my tests to BubbleScore, and I have explored MasteryConnect but do not really use it because, again, it is more geared towards core subjects).

The readings this week as well as putting together my own website for the pre-competencies verification really helped me put perspective on how I've been- and not been- using technology in my lessons. I didn't realize I was being technocentric- which is when you put the technology before the lesson content. I have wanted to use technology in my classroom and have made a few attempts, but most of the time I am focusing more on the technology being used and less on using it to support my lesson. I've always felt that there was some kind of disconnect in some of my lessons involving technology, and now I know why that disconnect is there.

__ //Intent// __ I am starting to become more aware of my technology usage in my classroom. I am also beginning to see the flaws in what I am currently doing. I printed out the technology activity chart from the article we read this week, and I hope to start using this as a reference to assist me in planning better lessons that are //supported// by technology. One artifact that I thought was good in my pre-competencies verification was my class blog site that I use to communicate with parents and students. Right now the site is mostly just weekly updates for lesson goals and class assignments, but I hope to make it more inclusive for class resources and as a student learning center. I also hope to explore some of the websites listed on the technology activity chart and try using them to support lessons that I have already created. Maybe then I will have some better artifacts to add to my page. I also did not have anything for standards 4 (Digital Citizenship and Responsibility) and 5 (Professional Growth and Leadership), and while I do not yet feel comfortable enough to lead anything in technology with my colleagues, perhaps I can find some way to collaborate with someone on a technology project in my school- or, at the very least, take a look around and see what sorts of technology some of my fellow teachers are using that I may not have been aware.