Reflections on New and Emerging Technologies

As I reflect on what I have discovered throughout this course and the entire technology program, I realize that I am finally becoming more comfortable with using technology in the classroom. My students are more eager to learn an progress in Spanish as we use technology to expand their knowledge and their ability to use Spanish. The technology teacher jokes with me about how I use as much new technology in my classroom as she uses in hers.

One of the technologies that we discussed in this class was MUVE's. I can see that this would be a great avenue of discovery for my students. They could visit Spanish speaking countries in the virtual reality and learn about the culture in ways that they do not have the opportunity to everyday. Also they would be able to communicate with others from Spanish speaking countries. I want to work on a proposal to use the MUVE at my school.

Another proposal that I want to submit is using computer games to motivate my students to learn Spanish and use it in a practical manner. Students will use their problem solving skills as well as creative thinking. The administrators are always encouraging us to use new methods to help students learn the curriculum and apply it. These games could help the students do this. The students would be eager to learn and use their Spanish when it can improve their performance within a game.

As a result of this class I am going to work on setting up online collaboration through Moodle or epals. This way students will be using technology every week to improve their Spanish as they communicate with native speakers and learn about their culture and share about the American culture with others. Using online collaboration methods will also allow students to continue their learning outside the classroom which is a desired outcome. I intend to make technology a regular part of my classroom as I seek to motivate students to learn and use Spanish.

Online Learning in K-12 Schools

Here is a link to Application 4

http://ed.voicethread.com/share/1026546/

Week 8 - Differentiation Reflection

During this class, I was part of a group that shared resources for differentiation and UDL on a social networking site. The resources that were shared were very helpful. Some of the sites that were shared I will use as I implement technology within my classroom to differentiate content. The sites have many useful ideas and technology strategies that are shared to help in planning lessons so that each students strengths in learning can be used to help them achieve success within the classroom. Some of the resources will be helpful in using technology to help remediate students who need extra help in learning and applying the content of my class. One resource from google books "Fair isn't always equal" has already been very helpful in using technology to assess the students through differentiation. www.lmsd.org is another resource that had good project based ideas for assessing students.

Some adjustments that I am making in my classroom due to what we have learned about UDL and DI and using technology is to use more technology in the presentation of the content so that all students will have an equal or fair opportunity to learn and understand the content in a manner that fits their learning style. To do this I have started using PowerPoint, the smart board, and Interwrite to present new content material. After all material has been presented, I am adding activities in Word, Publisher, and VoiceThread as well as PowerPoint to allow the students to practice and apply what they are learning. During this, I observe to allow students who need remediation access to remedial software and students who are advanced an opportunity to use technology to expand their learning. I have also made my final assessment of material learned in a unit a two part process now. There is a test and then there is a project where I allow multiple technology options to the students such as creating a PowerPoint presentation or an e-book to demonstrate their ability to use what they have learned. One thing that I have already observed as I have implemented this is that the students are more eager to do their projects and that I am observing more success as the students are able to choose what is within their learning styles.