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.