Module+8+Reflection

// ** Reflection Prompt: ** //** Summarize your learning for this term. How will you use the knowledge you have constructed to improve your use of technology for learning in your class and for your own personal and professional development? **

__ //Description// __ This last module has asked us not only to reflect on what we have learned this semester, but also to think about our futures as teachers of technology. For me, that means that as this school year is approaching its end, I am beginning to think about how to make changes to my lessons next year. I am also finishing my fourth year as teacher, so the newness of the profession has worn off, and I am starting to think about where I want to go in my own career as an educator.

//__Impact__// The most important concept that I think I've learned this semester is that technology needs to support content. That is, technology is a great tool that we need to harness and use to enhance our lessons. Technology is not about replacing the teacher; rather, the teacher needs to become a technology expert in order to guide students through more lessons that are relevant to our technology-based world. It has a major mind-shift for me- before this class, whenever I heard the word 'technology' I got hung up on the hardware, and I feel like many of my lessons that used technology weren't that great, and I didn't know why. Now I know that the content still needs to come first- technology is best utilized when it supports and gives greater depth to content.

__ //Intent// __ I have already this year started to revamp some of my lessons that use technology to replace the emphasis on content. I am already feeling more comfortable with creating more digitally-based lessons, although I feel like even after I get my Master's, there will still be lots to learn as technology changes and improves. I did apply for a chance to get laptops for one of my classes next year as a school experiment in 1:1 integration- I won't know for a bit yet if I am one of the selected teachers, but before starting this Master's program, I don't think I would have applied for this opportunity. But now that I have some knowledge in what 1:1 integration is, I am starting to form ideas about how I can improve instruction in my own classroom, and I hope to have the chance to try some of these ideas out.

For now, my goal is to continue on my Master's track. I hope to learn more and become even more confident as a technology teacher- maybe someday to the point of becoming a technology leader in my school? I don't know yet where I want my teaching career to take me, but I feel like the experiences I have and will gain in this Master's program will open me up to even more possibilities in the future that I didn't know existed before.