I’m not sure how much I've evolved as an innovative thinker, but this course definitely has made me think more about technology, pedagogy, and what to do with all of this newfound knowledge.
During this course, I've taken more chances with technology. I’m not afraid of technology in the classroom; in fact, my background is in software development and tech writing. However, I tend to avoid personal technology in the classroom because I’m not yet convinced of its benefits for first graders. This course has helped me to refine my action research project so that technology actually may be extremely beneficial in my classroom. I’m looking forward to trying my new and improved “differentiation through technology” very soon. The wide range of reading material in this course has definitely contributed to my knowledge about good pedagogy. I’ve learned at least a little about topics ranging from neuroplasticity to interface design. I’ve learned about the importance of avoiding cognitive overload in my students, and about the educational value of peer teaching. I’ve learned about details as small as the value of left-alignment in a presentation, and about topics as broad as sensemaking. Through Baggio, Merrill, and Clark, I’ve learned about design in e-learning, and their principles of simplicity, flow, contrast, examples, and accessibility apply not only to my online presentations but to worksheets and handouts, as well. Finally, I've learned about how much more I have to learn. I’m hoping to somehow connect and aggregate what I’ve learned in this class -- and throughout the Masters program -- and put it all together so that I can succinctly articulate my thoughts about education and learning. And then, I want to learn more. From Linda Darling-Hammond to Sir Ken Robinson, from Dan Pink to John Medina, from Ruth Clark to Sandrine Thuret, I’d like to connect the dots to create a complete picture. Perhaps an infographic?
3 Comments
Dana Hand
12/11/2016 08:17:38 pm
Wow! I appreciate how you have summarized all that we have learned since beginning this program. Sometimes it's hard to see how far we have come until we step back and reflect. I think it is very valuable that you are respecting your young audience and considering what is developmentally appropriate for them. I think many of us are in the same boat about connecting the dots- sometimes it just takes stepping back...
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Kristin Drew
12/13/2016 06:06:38 pm
Lori- I always enjoy your blogs. You are very articulate and concise, and a bit humorous as well, which makes it entertaining! I love that you are very thoughtful about integrating tech for these young people. I wonder about not only the mental changes but also the physical changes that young people will see as they age with the tech they hold in their hands....fun to have you join our cohort- thank you for your insights!
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Joe Madigan
12/20/2016 09:41:56 am
It's like a double edged sword with regards to using tech with primary aged kids. One the one hand, that's how many kids are learning these days...more and more homes have screens in them, kids have cell phones at younger and younger ages, and in many cases that's what they know, and what keeps their interest. On the other hand...we have a tendency to hold onto our ways of teaching and learning that we know are effective, and if we grew up without all that "stuff," AND we know they're getting it elsewhere, why not keep it out of the classroom as long as possible? There's good arguments on either side...
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