Course_Embedded+Reflection

This experience was wonderful. I was able to work cooperatively with others from different walks of life. We were able to share our thoughts and ideas about how to incorporate technology into everyday classroom lessons. As for this particular assignment, I reveled in the fact that it was expanded over a period of weeks and that it was a group activity. Research has shown that children learn from each other and not just a single teacher figure that stands in the front of a classroom. I believe that this trait carries over into adulthood. One candle will only put off so much light, but ten candles can light up a room. “Technology professional development does not exist in a vacuum” (Pitler, H., 2005, p. 2). If we are expected to learn all of this by ourselves, we will not be able to learn much. This course, itself, follows the trends that are apparent in these 21st century learners time period. We must try to reach all learners regardless of their mode for learning or their location or financial background. The skills students acquire while working collaboratively in the classroom using Web 2.0 tools helps to prepare them for life in a 21st Century world. Pitler states that “technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face. It can help us realize the hope of schools as places that serve students anytime, anywhere, and facilitate their growth into lifelong learners" (Pitler, 2007 p. 140). We are uncovering tools that are known to be more productive than any standardized test. As was previously stated, “Standardization is the guarantee of no standards.The standard I like to see is thinking differently.Is the individual having the right to pursue individual interests” (Papert, n.d.) As a technology facilitator at my campus, I must be familiar with all kinds of technology for all learners. Assignment s from this course have made it possible for me to locate and differeniate types of technology specific for certain disabilities and learning styles.  I cannot say that I would change much about this experience. It was challenging and pushed us to the boundaries of where we feel comfortable. Technology and education are not black and white cookie cutter fields. There is no one way to complete anything in these topics. Because of this, I am sure that I can speak for others, that we all had our own idea and perspective of what was to be expected of us. This is what caused so much frustration among teammates. I am sure that this is how most other teachers feel when being told to put away those traditional methods of teaching. You are confident in your ability yet uncomfortable with the methods. All in all, I have learned a lot about technology and working cooperatively. I just wish that we had more time to spend with each other and with the tools. Edutopia.org (nd).//Project Learning: An Overview.// Retrieved on March 25, 2011 from @http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-overview Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 139-154.
 * Pitler, H. (2005). McRel technology initiative: The development of a technology intervention program final report (Contract Number ED-02-CO-0006). Aurora, CO: Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED4486685) Retrieved on March 25, 2011 from http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/detail?accno=ED486685**