Representation+of+Learning+-+Final+Course+Work

=Representation of Learning - Final Course Work=

My final Project can be found here.

My concept map attachment.

Final paper on representation of learning below and as an attachment.

The use of technology has always been easy for me. I usually gain the knowledge and know how quickly. When I came to the course, I would say that I was somewhat ignorant in many aspects and somewhat unwilling to let anyone know otherwise. I quickly began feeling “cognitive dissonance” as Pat said and this totally uprooted my feelings of comfort in tech integration. The class started to challenge what I know and what I did not know and made me think more out side the box instead of continually looking at the box half-empty. You might say that I am a pessimist when it comes to the shortcomings of tech integration in schools. We know what we need to do; we see what is being done and yet it seems as though not many are doing anything about it. This is where the articles and class discussions pertaining to 21st century skills and mindtools changed my outlook and what I can successfully implement in my own classroom. Changing my view of technology as not being one in its self and as a separate set of skills was the biggest enlightenment or change. If we all look at technology as an integral part of all content areas, the skills and knowledge will improve and enhance one another. Thinking of technology as a 21st century literacy skill, has helped me and will indeed push me to change my practices and implementation.

Viewing technology as a literacy skill was mind blowing. If all school administration viewed technology as a literacy skill then the ways in which schools implement and develop curriculum will change.

From this course and as you can see on my concept map I am one who has gained a tremendous amount of knowledge that will help me change my practices and hopefully the practices of others in my building. From my changes, others will see the importance of technology and begin to change their own understanding of technology integration.

Developing authentic learning opportunities in the classroom has always been a goal for me. Technology is a very useful tool enabling me to attain this goal. The new knowledge I have gained will allow me to set up or as I say “plant the seeds” within my students; which is an important way for me to change the dynamic way they use technology in the classroom. If I give them the tools and let them be the teacher, as I guide them, ultimately my job is completed. Changing my role as a teacher director to a coach is important. It is important because it will foster the student’s problem solving skills and make them responsible for their learning. It is without the use of technology that has made it hard to attain this goal.

I look forward to using the skills and knowledge learned in this course throughout the school year. A concept map and one page paper in my mind doesn’t do justice in how we can best represent our learning in this course. If you contact me in December and June of the upcoming school year, you may see a better representation of what I have learned. It is important to not just see the knowledge and skill learned in two weeks as a goal for getting a grade but as a tool to use in your teaching practices.