Final Reflection on 811

I really believe that I have learned that there is a very big difference between integrating technology and learning WITH the integration of technology. By utilizing several different effective teaching strategies within the technology (such as scaffolding or simulation and porblem-solving), the students are much more likely to be engaged in the learning and put that knowledge into long-term memory.

The web-based technology that I looked at and then created made me think about what would be best for my situation, and then I developed a plan to integrate a recovery program for new students coming into the district in the middle of the year. This technology plan for the Spanish program is going to be extremely beneficial for the department. With my evaluation skills of technology as well as using student feedback, we will be able to create this recovery program and it will be very successful. Creating the recovery program in the Spanish Department is my new long-term goal.

I've met my personal goals for this class, but not overall. I think I have so much more to learn either on my own or within a classroom seeting with best practices in technology integration. I'm excited and looking forward to it immensly!

Why Blog?

As blogging becomes more and more popular, many people are asking the question, "Why blog?"

There is a big difference between using a blog and using a website. If you use a blog, you will have more collaboration through commenting. You will also get blogs from professionals, struggling artists, and students all about the topic, all with a different view on a certain subject. On the other hand, a website may appear as a more structured technology, providing information but not allowing for collaboration easily and efficiently as you find with blogs. You can also find many different types of websites for the same subject; however, it may be hard to tell which information is accurate or not on the websites. And yes, although the same is true about blogging, reading a 'blog' should tell the reader that the information provided is the blogger's personal view.