Final Reflection

What?
In Instructional Media I have learned how to use a variety of different technology to create class website, using blogs, sharing documents with students and or colleagues, using Google tools and applications, creating WebQuests and Digital Stories, as well and tons of other technology. This class is about knowing and keeping up on the technology in the world we live in. Our students will be technological savvy and we must too. This class gave countless ways to teach our students using technology that can give them a better education.

• The first thing that I have taken with me through this class is technology in the class is essential. If I don't learn about technology and the benefits there in or it will pass me up and so will my students. Our students understand technology. They live in a technology era where they function cell phones, iPods, computers, the Internet, multiple game sets like the PlayStation and Wii, and a variety of other things. They understand technology and therefore will be able to learn well from this perspective.


• The second thing I've learned that even though such greatness can come from technology there are many dangers that our students need to be aware of. Things like finding valid documents that can enhance their learning rather than take away from their learning. Also dangerous things that the Internet provides; cyberspace, chat lines, pornography, and countless others that can harm our students. As a teacher it is my responsibility to teach my students the proper way to use the Internet. Parents also need to aware of the dangers to provide guidance and help for their children.


• The third thing I've learned is the countless ways to stay organized and teach my students. Through google I can have class websites, documents, calendars, and opportunities to guide my students when they need help with activities and assignments. I can keep in contact with parents. Google is a great way were students can submit assignments and find announcements for the class. If a student misses class they can find simple ways to keep up through these sites. Technology can give endless learning if we use it correctly.

So What?
This course has been great because it has caught me up in the technology world so I can use it as an aid to teach my students. I have learned a variety of useful strategies and tactics to find and use useful information to teach my students. There is such a vast area of technology that can benefit the classroom. I feel I will be better at connecting with my student which will make me a more influential teacher. I am far more prepared to help teach my students through the use of technology. This class has opened my eyes and has given a wide variety of strategies to teach my students. This class has also helped me to be ready to teach to a deeper level the NET standards. It has helped me to develop qualities through technology and ways to teach my students that will better qualify be in the NET standards of what to teach. I have been prepared to be able to teach in this technological world, but also helping the students stay safe through the Internet. Through this class it has helped me step closer to meeting my goals as a teacher in the class room, which is providing the best learning environment for my students.

Now What?
I will definitely be using the use of technology for my classroom. One area I will have have is a class website available to my students and for their parents to frequently look at and learn from. This topic is one that I enjoyed the most because it taught me to be more organized. A class website is a great tactic to have good communication with students and parents. Here I will also have assignments, calendars, and announcements that will help my student succeed. I plan on also incorporating WebQuest into my classroom. i think it can be a fun way to learn topics in a PE class. I plan on having group projects done through WebQuest. I probably won't incorporate the digital story however because I feel my students will learn better through other tactics of teaching. I want my students to really enjoy PE and apply it into their lives and through this class I feel I have found a wide range of things to help me obtain these goals. I also believe for my students to apply and internalize PE criteria they must enjoy what they are doing and with the use of technology it can help me keep the activities fun and memorable. Now I have ways to keep my lesson intriguing instead of just throwing a ball out for them to play with. Now that I have taken this course I have two main goals with what I've learned:
1. Create a website that will improve my students success and give me an opportunity to stay in touch with their parent.
2. Incorporate teaching tactics of WebQuest into my lesson plans throughout the year.

This class been great and has taught me more than I ever would have imagined.....