Reflection (on the course and tools)

During the semester of September-December 2017, I was engaged in a course called

Educational Technology. In this course, I learnt a lot about technology integration in education. I

have been introduce to many ways as to use technology in the classroom. Some of these include

the use and creation of brochures, movies, online classrooms and websites. With the knowledge

gained from this course, I will definitely facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.

One way of doing this is to demonstrate how a brochure is done and guide my students into

making one, then have them make one for a certain occasion. For example a brochure for a

presentation. I have also learnt how I as a teacher can design and develop digital age learning

experiences and assessments. For example the online classroom (wikispace). In my Wiki

classroom, I can design lessons/ an online classroom to teach children who are unable to get to

school and have internet connection. This means that most of the concepts from the curriculum

can be taught even if the class and the teacher are not face to face or if something happens for

example a storm. The class can still be on track with the time given to teach/learn the concepts in

the curriculum.

I have realised that not because we are teacher we do not continue to learn. As we all

know learning is an ongoing process. So, for this course I had to learn how to model digital age

work and learning. Which means adapting to different ways of teaching and learning, for

example using distributed learning. In this type of learning, technology is fully used to

communicate with colleagues, students and parents as well. One example of this is the use of

skype video calls to inform parents or teach an entire class.

In addition, I have also learnt that the internet is a place where everyone can post

information, but if I wish to use their information I would have to give them credit for it.
Basically, promoting and modelling good digital citizenship and responsibility. I, as the teacher

would have to teach the children about these ethical considerations regarding to internet use. I

could put them in a situation; for example have them make something and I take it and claim it

for myself, and explain to them that that is what they do when they take information from the

internet and not give credit to the persons who provided it.

Furthermore, as a professional I crave professional growth. Using technology I can

contact my colleagues from far and wide and discuss matters in my classroom. One of these

mediums is called LinkedIn. In this programme persons from different institutions which some

form of connection (lecturer, fellow colleague etc.) can digitally meet and discuss professional

matters. Doing all these improves my profession and leadership in the classroom and in the

digital world.

In conclusion, the course Educational Technology has really impacted the way how I

view teaching in the 21st century. Now I can make my classroom fun, attractive, interactive and

appropriate for 21st century learners. With use of movie makers and student-made brochures

students can be more creative and interactive in classroom and learning/teaching episodes which

traditionally happen in the physical classroom can occur on the digital platform and it is

enhanced as well.