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Technology Impact "My Personal Reflection"


The Beginning…..

Growing up I didn’t have access to social media because it just wasn’t available until my  last few years as an undergraduate in college. At first I was a little hesitant/nervous to accept it and put myself out there online; but with some convincing from my BFF and my boyfriend (now husband) I joined the social media bandwagon and have never looked back.  


Comparably to my childhood with technology, my first several years in teaching lacked technology integration within the classroom. Similarly to my learning how to use social media, I too had nervousness about learning new skills, incorporating new tools into my teaching repertoire. But as time grew, I learned to see these tools as an asset to provide my students with new ways to learn and connect, and with ways for me to provide information. Some of these tools I have become reliant on for instruction. This GIF that I shared in my first post I think still demonstrates my growth in teaching with tech perfectly. 



Image Source GIFY 


This expansion and growth of technology in education made me want to explore and become efficient with it. This led me to my current path; getting a Masters of Arts in Education with an endorsement in Technology.  Prior to taking the class EDU 776 at Dominican University, I had never posted a blog or even been on Twitter! 


I felt the same way I did in college and in the early years in teaching just a few months ago when starting to explore blogging, twitter and other technology resources; but I went in with an open mind and ready to learn.  


The Current…… 

While I was nervous and apprehensive about blogging at first, I now find it a fun way to share ideas and even a bit therapeutic.  Through my blog, I realize that I am able to share my ideas and connect with fellow educators, collaborate and, hopefully, inspire others.  


My analysis and research in technology in the course  EDU 776 helped remind me that social media doesn’t have to only be used for personal use but also can be used as a tool to help develop a professional profile.


One of those tools that I found of value was Twitter.   Twitter was by far the one that I had the most apprehensiveness about. I never had used it and struggled finding a live chat at first. This gave me a bit of anxiety since this was a requirement for the EDU 776 class.  


Image Source: Twitter 


But after much searching, I finally found a group that had a list of several in which I could participate. As I explored Twitter more,  I found some of the same educators that I followed on Instagram and many more; the more I used and explored its features and resources, the more I found it a valuable tool. It gave me new lesson ideas, classroom management, supply organization and most important a group of educators to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with around the world. 


My Thoughts on Tech in Education…..

My stance on technology in education hasn’t changed much. I think that it is important to find that balance of utilizing technology to enhance learning along with hands- on/traditional practices rather than relying on it to do all the teaching.  


As educators I feel that it is important for us to stay on top of new techniques, trends, and applications so that we can incorporate it the best way possible to impact students and their learning.  The one biggest take-a-away and change in my view technology plays in education is the importance that technology can  play in creating and PLN (Personal Learning Network). Before I really only focused on connecting with my fellow colleagues in my PLC in my district, but now, since taking EDU 766, I began to follow and connect with other art teachers online. These connections have brought me lesson ideas, material suggestions and ways to collaborate with other artist. 

 

Image Source: Website Mr. Shearer 

The Future….. 

My technology exploration in the course of EDU 776,  blogging, and use of social media platforms like Twitter have allowed me to find some valuable tools and  concepts that I have been able to use to  enhance my teaching and classroom. 


While at first I was planning on using Twitter and blogging for the EDU 776 class, I think I will perhaps continue the use of these two tools as resources  to help grow my PLN (Personal Learning Network).  I know that technology will keep growing and changing, but my hope is that I too will grow along with it and become a better leader and a  good technology resource for my fellow teachers. 


Also, EDU 776 provided me with some valuable resources and concepts that I plan to continue to use in my lesson planning.  For example accessibility for all, UDL (Universal Design for Learning), Pear Deck learning resources, Waklet to just list a few. 


Image Source: The Edvocate 


I have learned and grown a lot through EDU 776 and know that this journey of technology exploration is just beginning for me and my classroom.  I look forward to all that I still have to learn and what it will bring to my teaching and my life. I look forward to sharing what I learn with my students, fellow educators and families. 


 Cited Sources: 

Blogger Blogger.com - Create a unique and beautiful blog easily Retrieved on Oct. 18, 2022 from https://www.blogger.com/about/?r=1-null_user


Dominican University Graduate Degrees That Transform More Than Your Career   Retrieved on Oct.18, 2022 from https://degrees.dom.edu/brand/


The Edvocate (2018, Sept. 24)  My Vision For the Future of Assistive Technology in Education Retrieved on Oct. 18, 2022 from https://www.theedadvocate.org/vision-future-assistive-technology-education/


GIPHY (2019, Sept. 04) Studying School Book GIF by Anna - Find & Share on GIPHY Retrieved on Oct. 18, 2022 from https://giphy.com/gifs/space-retro-kids-26DNeMNwIpXDoXZoQ


Instagram Login • Instagram Retrieved on Oct. 18, 2022 from http://www.intagram.com/


Mr. Shearer Tech. Ed. Links Retrieved on Oct. 18, 2022 from https://www.mrshearer.com/tech-ed-links.html


Pear Deck Retrieved on Oct. 18, 2022 from https://www.peardeck.com/


Twitter Retrieved on Oct. 18, 2022 from https://twitter.com/home
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