Lessons+Learned

Lessons Learned EDUC 538 3/17/11

As I reflect on the past few months, I feel that this course has encouraged me to integrate the use of web design and technology into my curriculum and class instruction as I am beginning to feel more confident in doing so. I am very glad that I took this class because I feel that I learned ways to use this technology that can provide a safe environment, yet still provide information that is necessary in the learning process. So far, I have gone onto our district's websites and upgrade each page that was available to me; creating learning spaces for each class that I teach. I am proud of the fact that I was able to do on my own! The district is going to provide classes for every teacher where we are required to attend and use the Fusion Pages. My Fusion Page is currently being used to communicate to my students and parents about upcoming concerts/events, assignments, links, e-mails/blogging, pictures, slideshows, podcasts, calendars, contact info, and more. I have booked time in the computer labs to get my students to practice the tools that are available to them, so they can understand how to complete assignments that are associated to the Fusion Page. My next step is to have my students complete a survey that asks my students if they have the necessary materials to complete the assignments that are associated with my learning space. If there are students that do not have the tools, then I will need to provide an alternative for those students. I would provide time for students to use computers that are available to them at the school. There are many different kinds of assignments that I will have my students complete with the learning space. They will be asked to learn how to use Audacity. I will give them a demonstration in the computer lab and have them practice on their own. Then I would walk them through uploading their recorded track(s) onto our learning space. The tracks that they would need to record would be assigned from the material we are studying in class. Eventually, if I really get motivated and find the time, if I could use this technology on a daily basis and keep track of assignments, lectures, rehearsals, etc., this could allow students that are absent the chance to make up work and stay on track. I am excited about all of the possibilities, as I realize that I will always be learning when it comes to media and technology. I look forward to seeing how this will impact my students and hopefully in a positive way in their learning process.