Overview of what I’ve learned: I have learned about many different forms of assistive technology throughout this course, but what has really stood out to me is the concept of how these tools can be used. So often we find things to help support our students with designations or who are low in some academic areas. What I find most exciting, is how so many of these technological tools can be supplied for all our students. They can be common tools used for anyone in the classroom, in a variety of subject areas. Having access to so many ways of learning can inspire and motivate students to learn and explore. Having opportunities for our students to present their learning in a variety of forms, gives them more ownership over their learning and encourages creativity. I have learned that technology in the classroom is much more than a computer, a projector and a ball of stress. My outlook on technology has shifted to a much more positive tone.
Things I learned about myself: I knew that I have always been slightly uneasy with technology, but this course actually taught me how much it stresses me out. I took on a lot this term, as I have been working full time, tutoring, coaching, and taking three courses, so I have had stress outside of this course. This may not have helped, but I found myself at the beginning already getting frustrated and stressed when my website wouldn’t work, and I couldn’t get the online meeting to work. Both problems were solved, but I realized how much I stress about technology. I am always concerned that if I rely on technology in the classroom, it may glitch out and my lesson could be ruined. I use technology, but I really don’t use much of it due to this fear. This course has taught me to be more patient with myself when learning new areas of technology, because there are so many amazing opportunities for my classroom and my students. I have taught myself to take a breath before deciding it’s “hopeless” when programs aren’t working. There are too many great opportunities with technology that my students and I would miss out on, if my outlook hadn’t shifted. I have also learned how having the freedom to work through the material at my own rate, helped relieve a lot of stress and pressure. It allowed me to put time into the material, versus racing through, because it had to be done at this time, on this day. It makes me wonder if our students could benefit from this style. Specifically our students who have high levels of anxiety could appreciate the feeling of less pressure.
How I will use what I’ve learned/What I will incorporate into my work for better engagement: I would like to bring technology into my future classrooms by presenting it as choice. I believe these different tools, for example read&write, should be offered to all students, not just the students who are “low” writers. Having change and option, creates for more engaging and personal learning. I will have the supply of iPads in a set place in my room where kids can choose to use them as needed. Throughout the year, I will introduce new websites, tools, or applications. For example, we could spend time as a class creating stories using Storybird. By creating an open environment where assistive technology is used by the class, students will feel more accepted when they feel they need to use it, because they aren’t the only ones receiving support. Introducing new tools or activities throughout the year will help engage the students. This will give them the excitement of something new and imagine ways they can use the tool/activity to create their own learning path.
My “aha” moment: As simple as it may be, but my big “aha” or “whoa” moment was when I realized what seem to be the never-ending possibilities of Google. I was instantly excited about the read&write toolbar when I was introduced to it. I played around with it, and then took it to work and used it with one of my students. We used it to type in definitions and to listen to proper pronunciation of each word. The best part about this, was knowing how there are even more possibilities with the toolbar alone, never mind Google docs, search engine, drive, Gmail, etc.
A goal for using technology for myself or for my leaners who I support: My goal for using technology is to always be PATIENT. I get told how I am a very patient person, maybe sometimes too patient, yet I seem to be lacking in this area when I work with technology. I am learning to take new programs one-step at a time, but my goal is to become more patient and therefore much more comfortable and knowledgeable of the most recent technological tools.