Final Thoughts

Foundations of Educational Technology

So here we are at the end of our 8 week course. What a journey! I wasn't sure what to expect, as this was my first online course. However, I think that having two (I would have preferred 3) in person sessions, meeting my classmates and the instructor really helped with the online collaboration. My favorite part of our in person sessions was the escape room experience with Breakout EDU. This was a great example of the 4 C's: collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.

As we move towards teaching 21st century learners, we too must make a change and adapt to a 21st century classroom. This course on the foundations of educational technology reaffirmed many ideas that I came across as our district began to implement the use of technology into the classroom. The biggest idea that was validated for me, is that we should be using technology to enhance student learning, as it was explained in the SAMR model. Substituting and augmenting lessons or assignments is a first big step but moving towards modifying and redefining is where we want to be.

I can honestly say that I enjoyed learning and expanding my level of technology throughout this course. I would say it brought out my inner Sheldon, basically my inner tech nerdiness, ha! I now have many tools that will me enhance lessons and be a more connected educator. As I learned through the readings of PLNs (personal learning networks), I am a "lurker" but am slowly moving towards actually networking and sharing my ideas with others. 

The Big Bang Theory Sitcom
photo credit from Flicker

I know that once the school year begins, I will be excited to put all of these new ideas and strategies to work!