This semester has been very rewarding and informative for me, this class especially. Prior to this course, I felt that I knew how to use technology to promote student engagement but I found pretty quickly that I had a lot to learn. Though technology was used often in my own classroom and I had already begun helping my colleagues use technology in theirs, I was using it in a limited way. What I learned from this course is to think bigger. Using a tool doesn't necessarily promote student engagement, it is rather the WAY the technology is used that promotes engagement. I learned how to design authentic learning experiences for my students and assist other teachers in creating their own (ISTE-C 2.3, 2.4, 2.6). I also learned about new technology tools, how to use them differently, and new tools and how to use them to promote engagement (ISTE 3.6). I feel that what I have learned will be be a huge asset to me as a technology coach.
Twenty-first century learners are very different from learners in the past. They are used to getting information quickly and easily and due to this, have become shallow in much of their thinking. These new tools and knowledge are a wonderful resource to create new learning experiences to teach students on a new level, to teach them to think at a higher level and become active participants in their learning.
Twenty-first century learners are very different from learners in the past. They are used to getting information quickly and easily and due to this, have become shallow in much of their thinking. These new tools and knowledge are a wonderful resource to create new learning experiences to teach students on a new level, to teach them to think at a higher level and become active participants in their learning.