Reflection: Week 16

What?

This week in class we finished creating our Digital Story and worked on final touches. This class was probably my favorite class all semester because it was relaxed, but still productive. Next week, we have the presentation of our Digital Stories as our final for instructional media.

So What?

I am nearing the end of my degree and will be student teaching at Jordan High School this Fall. As I look back to my experience in the Education Program, I wish I would have taken this instructional media class earlier. I learned so much great information in this class that would have been beneficial as a student. For example, if I would have known about and how to use Google Documents last semester, I would have had a better experience completing group projects. It was convenient being able to use these tools in my classes this semester.

The reason this class is required for future educators is because technology is becoming extremely prevalent in our world. We need to know how to use basic applications on the computer and be aware of the Internet's benefits and dangers. As a health educator, it is important for me to teach my students about the dangers of technology such as internet predators, sexting, and pornography. But, it is also important to teach them how to find reliable sources of research and let them discover helpful websites, like the Utah Education Network. I know what we learned this semester is important and I plan to build on and educate students throughout my teaching career.

Now What?

This class was definitely challenging and frustrating at times, but I learned so much and feel better prepared to be a teacher now. One unique attribute of this class is that I will continue to use and build on the technological skills I have acquired this semester. Many of the resources we found and tools we used in this class are ones that I will continue learning about. For example, I am confident that I will be using my Google Classroom Website in my teaching career. This website is extremely helpful to me and will be to the students in my classes. I am also excited to present my Digital Story, let my students learn and experiment with technology during my PowerPoint activity, and teach my students how to be safe using the internet.

I cannot express how glad I am that I was exposed to this information this semester. Not only have I learned how to use many specific computer applications, but I also feel confident that I have the skills and experience to "figure out" how to use applications that I may not be familiar with. I am excited to begin my student teaching experience at Jordan High School this Fall and hope I can be an asset to my cooperating teacher. My technological skills will give me a great benefit in the schools I may be a part of someday.

Video Reflection:

I believe students today are more in-tune with technology than most adults can comprehend. The video we viewed this week was called "Millenial Generation." I am not old, I only graduated High School four years ago, but this video surprised me. I was astounded by how much kids expect from technology. Most of them probably cannot imagine living without their cell phone, iPod, or the Internet.

More than anything, this video reassured my belief that as a teacher, it is imperative that I incorporate technology into my lesson plans. Most students will love it if I give them the opportunity to take out their cell phones in class for an educational purpose or if I allow their creativity to blossom as I instruct them to create a fun PowerPoint. I feel so blessed and grateful that I have been able to gain technology knowledge this semester because I now feel empowered to be a better educator in the classroom. I hope I will be able to teach my students about technology and how beneficial it can be to student success.