Sigh. This is the final week of IDE 611. I felt it only seems fitting that my final blog post be a concise reflection/opinion of content learned this semester.
In the end, I learned a tremendous amount about available and specific technologies, apps, resources and tools that can be implemented into a classroom across varying disciplines. Do I feel that one specific tool is superior to other. No. Do I feel that one specific tool should be used daily. No. I truly feel that the key to success for technology implementation in a classroom is to treat all of the resources we talked about this semester as [overflowing!] tools in your trusty teacher toolbox. Implement these technologies in meaningful ways to have a positive impact on learners. Vary the technologies used as you would switch up any other "traditional" lesson delivery tactic for your classroom of diversified learners. Don't stop pushing yourself to take more professional development centered around new and emerging technologies even after 10, 15, or 30 years of teaching experience. And, lastly, be brave enough to use something new and resilient enough when that "new" technology is a lesson/classroom failure. Technology can empower a classroom, learners and teachers. It's not the savior to American school systems - but it sure can help higher order thinking and lesson objectives come to fruition for a learner.
Cheers to my peers,
Sara
