Reflective Piece



The study of integrating technology in the classroom is fascinating and its importance cannot be overemphasized. I have learned that portable computers weigh only a few pounds and are easy to carry and connect as vast amounts of information available on the Internet are easy to obtain through use of Web browsers. It has been interesting to realize that there are new opportunities to learn in a worldwide context. Increased capacity and increased connectivity make learning with this new medium not only possible, but powerful. As a result, teachers, through their Internet connections, have access to resources that would have been impossible to use in a traditional classroom .  For example, research does suggest that some applications of home and school computers, e-mail, and multimedia projects lead to gains in the higher-order skills of thinking critically, solving complex problems such as multistep word problems, understanding the scientific method, and synthesizing different points of view. Instead of tracking the mastery of isolated skills or knowledge facts, integrating technology makes it possible to make systemic changes in curriculum, instruction, and assessment to the extent that it requires changes in student roles, teacher roles, and teaching and learning tasks and expectations. Data-driven practices such as WebQuests and EPortfolios help facilitate effective learner-centered practices. Through the use of Web Blogs and Local Access Network (LAN), technology has began to have significance for professional communication among teachers because it is easy to share experiences on approaches to topics and designing Individualized or Group Educational Plans (IEP and GEP) for students with special needs.

The  discussions and readings have helped me appreciate that integration of technology is flexible and can be used according to the needs of the learners, hardware and software available. Class discussions were very beneficial because most of the students posted well researched points and the time was adequate to respond to a posting or a question. I was extremely impressed with prompt and accurate feedback and facilitation by the professor. The etiquette lecture notes helped me to learn the importance of keeping my emails brief and the connotation behind the use of capital letters in an email. I have been mixing capital letters with small ones, which means that I may have been perceived as ‘screaming’ at the receipts. I have appreciated the instruction on how to write emails and will not deliberately be too wordy again. 
In addition, the readings helped me to see that technology is adaptable and incorporate multiple intelligences such as spatial and music instead of concentrating on students with higher ability in language and logic novelty styles. The readings have been very informative and educative. For instance, the glossary of computer terms such as “http” and “html” overwhelmed me because at first I did not know the meaning of most of the acronyms, but the lecture materials made it very easy for me to understand the concepts. Another important skill I have gained in this course is building  Web blogs. I appreciated the step-by-step instructions provided by the professor as I managed to build my web blog within a short period of time. I now understand the meaning of Web Blogs and how to build a Blog.

The knowledge and skills I have gained in the course are immeasurable. For instance, I am able to differentiate Computer Assisted Instruction software from presentation software and how each type of program can be integrated in the classroom. Ideas of how to evaluate of Web sites and software using various rubrics will assist me to train fellow educators and other stakeholders in my home country, Zambia. Information on issues of Cyber security and strategies of protecting children on the Internet is another aspect of professional growth I have experienced in the course of study. It was encouraging to learn that Bandwidth or other limitations such as, the number of computers with Internet connectivity, should not stop me from integrating technology in the classroom.

I intend to use Web Blogs like MERLOT to interact with professionals and people interested in educational research and integration of technology in education. It is important to mention here that Web Blogs will be used in the class to extend learning time and contact experts in the industry when the class is engaged in project work.
I have been able to share the knowledge and skills with peers through answering questions on how to use certain features of Messenger such as video conferencing. It was gratifying to see a colleague follow instructions on how to use Messenger with voice and appreciate the acquisition of the new skill in educational computing.

Since computers have not been integrated in most Public schools in my country, it will beneficial to start with a pilot project with two or three Colleges of Education and  demonstration schools on how to use WebQuests.  The goal is to re-orient teachers and all stakeholders in 21st Century strategies of integrating technology in education, and make Instructional technology as a component of all professional development programs. I am mindful that technology cannot work on its own, but needs the teacher's input. Therefore, all initiatives of integrating technology into the classroom  will be demand driven aimed at improving students' learning achievements.

The first portfolio artifact is the computer as a tutor lesson plan I created as  a  project  in  this  course.  I chose this artifact because the topic discussed, Statistics, is integrative and shows how we can use the Internet to generate information on any subject and help students transfer learning to other situations in life. I will use this artifact to train teachers how to develop the idea of WebQuests.
The second artifact is my Tool module Personal Learning Journal. One of the reasons that prompted me to select this piece as an artifact is that after reading and doing assignments in the module, I was able to identify the strategies of assisting students how to construct their own knowledge by using tools like Inspiration concept mapping. The Tool module was very educative as I learned some skills, which I longed for in my professional life. At the beginning of the module, I did not know how to  effectively use Presentation, and Concept mapping tools and Photo Blogs. After reading the step-by-step tutorial materials, I have been greatly helped to acquire skills of creating slides in PowerPoint Presentation with hyperlinks, attach sounds and other animations. My interaction with the professor using the Whiteboard was another exciting learning experience for me. Professor Johnson-Taylor was able to guide me on how to activate or invite a colleague to the synchronous chat like the Interactive Whiteboard.      

In conclusion, I would like to state that the course is a major milestone in my learning of how to design computer-based classroom instructions and conducting teacher professional development programs. I have learned some skills I longed for in my professional life such as, how to create or build Web sites, and using the computer as a tool and tutor. The course has laid a strong foundation in understanding the stages of integrating technology in education in my country. I will be able to apply the skills in my personal life and professionally in order to contribute to the improvement of the quality and access of education in Zambia.



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