EDLD+5364+Reflection



EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology Reflection

The development of the CAST Lesson within the Teaching with Technology course challenged my perception of how a lesson plan should be built. I realized through the in-depth nature and approach to the lesson plans, following the Universal Design of Learning (UDL) method, that there can be much more accomplished if you engage in the development looking first at what you want to accomplish, then develop a well-formed plan to achieve this while taking into account all aspects of the learners’ experience. As technology is ever advancing, so must we as educators. The students are already immersed in the digital age; their schools need to reflect their method of learning. By developing lesson plans that not only incorporate technology, but allow students of all levels to gain the knowledge set forth, the education system will become stronger and in turn the students we send forth in the world will venture into the world with an arsenal of tools that will allow them to be competitive in college and the market place and create a better tomorrow for us all as global citizens. We were able to put this to practice through the group activity, incorporating the principals discussed by Solomon and Schrum (2007), such as creating communities of practice and maintaining standards of when to meet in an effort to best complete the project. Everyone in the group was proactive in discussion and participation which allowed for a smooth and successful project. In order to complete the assignment, it was necessary to communicate regularly as a group. With a multitude of different schedules and responsibilities, our Google site became our tool of choice. By evaluating the needs of the students in the scenario, we were able to apply Standard IV in our work by analyzing student achievement data for school improvement through the curriculum we created (Williamson & Redish, 2009). This was a fantastic experience as it has reshaped my view of Web 2.0 Tools and created a variety of uses within the classroom, both in planning, sharing and building of lesson plans. Prensky (2008) added validation to the use of the online and technology laden lesson plans as students are citizens of the digital world, where powering down their technology takes them out of their element. Through incorporation of technology in lesson plans and infused in the learning environment, not only will it engage students more, but also meet multiple standards set forth by the ITSE, including Standard II by understanding the technologies and incorporating them into the classroom. This leads to accomplishing Standard III, through the design of the lesson plans and facilitation of technology at all levels, it models the use of technology and maximizes student learning.

Prensky, M. (2008). Turning on the lights. //Educational Leadership, 65(6),// 40-45.

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). //Web 2.0: New tools, new school.// Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.