Reflection (Week 7)

This course began with the concept of self-directed learning. Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer state, “You are self-directed anytime you learn a new skill or pursue more information about an intriguing topic, sparked by something you read or heard (2009, p.2). Self-directed learning is requires critical thinking, problem solving strategies, and creativity. Although I experience self-directed learning frequently, I never thought about how or why I did it; it was a natural process. Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer transferred the characteristics of self-directed learning into a “GAME plan” (p.3). This process can be applied to any situation where a person wants to acquire new information or skills. The “GAME” plan includes: setting goals, taking action, monitoring progress, and evaluating the results. As I learned new skills in this course, I also followed through my own plan.

As technology becomes an integral part of life, it can be used as a learning tool or a medium for learning. This course allowed me to learn how to use blogs and a wiki, which helped me feel more confident in using those tools in my classroom. I understand the value of collaboration and communication that blogs generate. I created a wiki for the language arts department at my school. I plan to demonstrate how-tos at our next department meeting to promote participation. For the ones participating, it has been a wonderful way to communicate especially since we only have department meetings once a month. Prensky (2006) discussed how students are born into the light of technology but power down at school. This confirmed by belief that technology is a way to engage students and providing an educational purpose of using technology. I also realized that my students have more knowledge and experience with technology; however, I can learn beside them. My ignorance should not hinder their opportunities to learn.

As a result of this course, I am using a wiki with my students so they can collaborate. Some students still struggle with quality feedback and technology availability. My administration has been very supportive in allowing me to pull students from related arts to complete wiki activities at school. My problem-based learning (PBL) unit will be added to my units of study. The Buck Institute for Education and Boise State University define PBL as “an instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that engage student interest and motivation”. My students were engaged in creating a digital story that answered the question: What do I need to know or do to be a successful sixth grader? It was difficult at times to slow the students down and focus on preparatory parts of the unit. For example, some students rushed through the storyboard to get to the computer. However, they quickly learned that was not going to happen – quality work is required in my room.

I will finish this class with teaching strategies for integrating technology, self-directed learning, and problem-based learning. Through the discussion board, blogs, and wiki, I have collected resources from classmates. Finally, this class has highlighted how technology is a tool for learning, communicating, and collaborating.

References

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Prensky, M. (2008). Turning on the lights. Educational Leadership, 65(6), 40–45.
Retrieved from the Academic Search Complete database.

The Buck Institute for Education and Boise State University, Department of Educational Technology. “What is Project-based learning?” Project-Based Learning: The Online Resource for PBL located at http://pbl-online.org/