Because
of this course, I am able to identify and use terms within educational
technology. The assignments and
discussions have opened the possibilities of learning about new media and
literacies. Previously, I thought I was highly educated on the topic. This
course brought me to the realization that there is always something new to
learn. I understood I was putting myself in the rut and focusing on prior
knowledge, and unintentionally closing myself to alternative strategies. As
noted, the knowledge from this course will allow me to look into how I learn,
as well as my students. I am able to find a way to relate to the content and
then communicate my thoughts in an effective manner. The resources were readily
available to assist in the growth of knowledge of technologies and literacies.
The Jenkins and Serafini discussions were extremely helpful to improve content
awareness, along with understanding differing point of views as to how tools
and techniques are used in the world of education and out. Before this course I
had never heard the term participatory cultures or the transparency issue. Another
major topic of the class revolved around Network
Publics. I highly appreciated the way learning was structured through group
learning coming to a consensus and growing from there to relate to alternative
views. Through this text, I was able to
fully understand how liberated network connections were, along with how we must
work on appropriate digital citizenship with students.
As an up and coming educator in the
Special Education field, the alternative strategies in technologies are
extremely instrumental to provide the most appropriate education for my
students. The advances in technology allow me to create individualized plans
for students and follow through in order for them to relate to the subject
matter in the best way for them. Most importantly, conveying to my students the
prominence of looking at sources through a lens to find the most credible
information possible. We must use the advantage of literacy of the Internet and
educate our students to assess the quality of information.
An “ah ha” moment occurred in module six
when interviewing an adolescent on their use and view of Internet technologies.
It was not necessarily in my interviewee’s responses that provide the sense of
awe, but more in my observations in his mannerisms before and after the
interview. I realized that technologies now provide the comfort and connection
to many, especially the young, when they feel uncomfortable or unnoticed in a
particular setting. This related to the resources of other modules discussing
how youth today are the ‘digital natives’ of the modern world. I especially
understood the statement that media and technology provides that attention many
seek in the world.
In each module of the course, I battled
with the importance of incorporating technology in learning, but also using
previous conventions of print. At the start, I was completely on the side of
print and text, but through the knowledge of the content in this course, I
recognize a place for technology depending on the subject area. Technology as a tool in education is can be used to
create and develop critical thinking skills for all types of students. Whether
the discussion is questioning the use of technology, or using technology itself
to discuss, educators must bring in technology into the classroom for the sense
of providing world experiences for students and a tool to relate to what the
world is turning to. My concern through
technology is the lack of human connection and social skills. The loss of
appreciation for what you can’t hold in your hand.
Overall, I found this course to be
enlightening. With this knowledge, I am bale to open to alternative strategies
and allow students to incorporate technology within the classroom that is most
appropriate for their education.
