6+Classes+that+were+most+Beneficial

Concepts of Educational Technology was an excellent class to begin my introduction to Educational Technology. Armstrong and Warlick introduced the concept of the new literacies for the technological age: exposing knowledge, employing information, expressing ideas, and compelling ethics (2004). The idea of a new kind of generation gap referred as “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” by Prensky also provided an instructive construct (2001). The class offered an opportunity to gain experience analyzing technology plans, working with a wiki, and creating collaborative documents. The class also confirmed that, an observation that many teachers have made, using technology is a great motivator for many students (Boss, 2007). I felt is set a good foundation to build further knowledge upon.

Teaching with Technology offered the chance to gain experience with developing building online lessons and uploading materials to the course. The course discussed the positive effects the use of technology in the classroom has on students from a low socio-economic background (Page, 2002). The readings from Pitler offered real world suggestions for using readily available technologies to adapt lessons for students and teachers that are differently-abled and to offer students more independent learning opportunities (2007). The Southwest Educational Development Laboratory connected classroom technology use to the popular constructivist learning theory (1999). The many global factors that make technology in United States schools are outlined by Solomon in her 2007 book, “Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools”. The explanation and usage of the backward design approach to developing lessons gave me a new way to think about how teaching and learning are done in the classroom (Rose, 2002). McPheeter focuses on using telecommunication devices for communication in the class, since they are such a part of students’ lives outside of the classroom (2009). The knowledge gained in this course is very relevant, as the district is moving to an online course management system beginning next year.

The Digital Graphics, Animation, and Desktop Publishing course offered a strong foundation in publishing, both online and offline. I gained experience using various desktop publishing tools while creating a business card and newsletter. The publication guidelines learned will work for digital and print publications. These skills are practical and useful as part of an Instructional Technologist’s job, as well as in other aspects of one’s life. The history of publishing also gave insight into how much print has influenced our educational system, and hints at how much further digital resources have to go in making their impact.

The course on multimedia and video technology allowed me to see some of the potential for technology tools that aren’t being implemented in my district as of yet. I enjoyed creating a presentation with Photo Story, and found it to be a great substitute for creating a video when the district does not have the supplies necessary. The class also gave me a basic knowledge of video and audio editing, though I think I prefer video to audio editing. The checklists and guidelines for making sure you have all of your videographer equipment were very useful. Multimedia forms of presentation address the various learning modalities simultaneously while offering support through visuals to students of differing ability levels. I also like the practical and real world examples of activities and lessons to use in the classroom. The most useful resource in this class was the Creative Commons materials. Giving students a legal and free alternative to stealing music, pictures, etc. will be a very effective way to help them move away from that practice. Many are not even aware, as I was not, that such resources exist.

Instructional Design gave valuable experience in creating an online course. The practice at inputting lessons and uploading materials will come in very handy next year. The standards and guidelines for creating attractive and useful online courses are very beneficial as well. The class revisited Universal Design for Learning and backward design in a more in depth fashion than Teaching with Technology.

Information Systems Management gave me the opportunity to evaluate the district’s Content Management System and their filtering system. This will be vital in my role as an Instructional Technologist. Interactivity was stressed as being vital in a CMS, as it is also a form of communication with faculty, students, and parents. When communicating online, especially in assignments, it is vital to be clear in your meaning (Watson, 2008). Most teachers and students use the net and other technologies at school for fun and socialization (Graziano, 2001). They are use to being able to personalize it, so it is very important that they can do this at school (Levin, 2002). Students often feel that school requires them to slow down. Another key point discussed in this class was the pros and cons to online and distance learning. These issues are vital to consider as a district develops its technology plan and chooses its Content Management System.