Looking Back, Looking Ahead

I initially started this blog (a little begrudgingly, in all honesty) as a class requirement; however, it has become a space for reflection, discussion, and discovery, and I'd like to keep it alive. I appreciate blogging for its balance between academic & creative writing. As a student, I have been deeply engaged in publishing interesting, quality writing, and as a teacher, I am intrigued to try blogging with my own classes. "Blogging for English Language Learners" provides helpful suggestions for facilitating student blogs and its benefits for emergent bilingual students. 

Blogging is just one tool that I have come to know a little better in the last eight weeks. Although I still feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of resources and ed tech tools out there, I feel I have gained a better grasp of where I'd like to spend my time growing professionally. 

Takeaways

Frameworks for Technology Integration

As technology continues to evolve, so will its use in education. Having a framework to help ensure I am using technology meaningfully in the classroom is crucial. Again, the number of frameworks out there to assess teachers' technology usage is overwhelming, to say least. Matrices. Rubrics. Checklists. Models. I think the Triple E framework is straightforward, user friendly, and aligns well with backwards planning. 

Image Source: tripleeframework.com by Liz Kolb

Professional Learning Network (PLN)

I had always thought of technology's role in education as resources to use to help students reach learning goals, such as SMART Boards, Edtech platforms, curriculum, Chrome extensions, applications, etc. All of these are, indeed, the substantial make up of "technology in education," but I hadn't ever put much thought into my own professional web presence in the world of education. Exploring the role of social media in growing a Professional Learning Network has made me look at social media and my role as a teacher and professional differently. I don't know that I am 100% sold, but I am keeping my X account and am going to try it out for a while, at least as a visitor. I've already gathered several worthwhile resources in the short time I have had an account. 

Active Learning & Accessibility

It's just best practice. People learn by doing, and in order to do, content needs to be made accessible for all learners. Having recently finished my ESL endorsement and with 60% of my students being English language learners, ensuring equitability has been at the front of my mind now more than ever. Technology offers all learners a chance to explore and play with content in meaningful ways that really makes the learning stick. This learning experience has helped me to identify the worthwhile tools. 

Onwards

I look forward to continuing my exploration of technology's role within education and within my own life and how components of my life, the communication arts, pedagogy, and technology work in conjunction and build off of one another. 

I have one more class left in grad school. The first quarter of the school year is a wrap, and I've just added a lot of tools to my toolbox. The future is looking bright, my friends. Cheers!

Image Source: GIPHY