As we finish our course about technology integration, I think back to all of the helpful information I have learned. From discussions with classmates to projects and assignments, I picked up a lot of things from my peers and instructor. I am so grateful for my experience in this course and look forward to using this new knowledge in my classroom.
One of the most interesting articles to me was one about writing essential questions. We have “boxed” curriculum for both literacy and math in my district, so essential questions are already written for us. I can certainly identify which question would be an essential one, but I had never written my own. The article called What Makes a Question Essential by McTighe and Wiggins really helped me understand what goes on “behind the scenes” when creating essential questions. I have recently needed to write my own essential questions In a few different arenas of my educator life. I’m so glad that I knew of this resource and had the chance to use it so often! Another topic in this course that has piqued my interest is flipped learning. I knew of it before and was already interested in it. This course gave me a chance to practice it, even if only for a few minutes at a time. It was really helpful to hear feedback from my peers about what was working and what could be done differently. I hope that whatever my new position will be next year gives me a chance to attempt flipped learning and see how it goes! I have grown as an educator throughout this class, maybe not just by learning new things about how to use technology in my classroom. I have also discovered that I can manage my time well enough to teach full-time, participate in two online courses, apply and interview for six different jobs, and maintain my house (to a minimal level of cleanliness, but it still counts). It’s been a real challenge - and some days a struggle - but focusing on one day at a time or one assignment at a time has been crucial. This ability to manage my schedule absolutely translates to my classroom since there are a million things to manage there, as well! This course has been truly helpful in expanding my knowledge about technology in education. I feel confident that I can make appropriate decisions for my students in regards to technology, and can also give my students a bit of freedom to make their own appropriate decisions. Thank you to all of my classmates and instructor for your continued support and feedback! McTighe, Jay & Wiggins, Grant. (2019). What makes a question essential? Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/109004/chapters/What-Makes-a-Question-Essential%A2.aspx
1 Comment
Dara Kappel
4/24/2019 07:35:30 pm
I enjoyed reading your reflection and I can relate to trying to manage teaching, taking classes, and more all at the same time. It's amazing how we manage to find the time. I wish you the best of luck in looking for a new position. I learned a lot from you during the class, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
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AuthorI'm Stacy! 5th grade teacher. Wife. Mom. Coach. Flipgrid enthusiast. RAKtivist. Potterhead. Whovian. |