Module+8+Reflection

= Module 8 Reflection  =

Summarize your learning for this term. How will you use the knowledge you have constructed to improve your use of technology for learning in your class and for your own personal and professional development?

**//Description//**

This reflection is based off of the information from modules 1 through 8 as well as the module 8 discussion board.

**//Impact//**

Throughout this class I have learned a lot about the technology standards. I learned their are standards for teachers and students as well as technology facilitators and leaders. Prior to this class I did not know all of this standards existed nor did I know about TPACK. I am now beginning to understand the importance of technology and its standards and how to really integrate technology into my classroom effectively. I understand I need to be aware of the content knowledge as well as pedagogy before thinking about what technology to use in my classroom.

Not only did I learn more about the standards and TPACK, I also gained knowledge of the areas in the standards where I am strong and what standards I need improvement in. Based on this information, I know where to go to improve my knowledge of the standards even more.

Following this, I learned more about the ethics when using technology. It was always in the back of my mind but I feel I took for granted the ethics when using technology. I now understand the importance of teaching my students from a young age the correct way to use technological tools since so much information is available at our fingertips now. It is so easy to access information that it is easy to forget about the ethics.

Because of this class, I have also learned more about 21st century skills and the 21st century learner. Prior to this class I thought 21st century learning was all about using the new technologies available to me. However, I now realize that 21st century skills include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, initative, creativity, adaptability, and data analysis. These skills are considered 21st century because they are qualities that will not change and will help students no matter what situation they are found in.

In this class I also learned about the challenges and rewards of online teaching and learning. I learned about what I find challenging in an online class and that the biggest challenge both I and most of my colleagues find when taking on online class is instructor presence. I believe it is very important for the instructor to feel like part of the class and that I need to remember this if I ever teach an online class.

One final thing that struck me as important that I got out of this class is what it means to be a technology facilitator. To because a technology facilitator, I need to be very familiar with all the technology standards. I need to keep up with technology to the best of my ability because technology is ever changing.

**//Intent//**

I plan on doing many things because of the knowledge I gained from participating in this class. For one, I plan on taking what I have learned about the standards and TPACK and applying it in my classroom. I also plan on informing my fellow teachers on the importance of the standards and TPACK. I also plan on teaching my students about the importance of following the rules and being ethical when using technology. I also plan on teaching my students the 21st century skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. I also plan on taking my knowledge of being a technology facilitator and applying it in my school and hopefully my school district by becoming a member of the technology committee. Overall, I enjoyed being in this class and I learned a lot of information that will be beneficial in my career as well as in my ambitions to become a technology facilitator.