Reflection on Week 10

Time flies so quickly that we are now in the 10^th or the final week. It was a fruitful journey. I still remember being so nervous when I was notified by the US Embassy that I was selected for this course. I wondered what the course would be like and that if I could handle the 10 weeks. Now, I feel so glad and proud that I chose such an amazing course.

Reflecting the topic of discussion for this week, it is important to understand where I stood before I began this course. Referring to Washington’s Tiers of Technology Integration, I understood that I was a Tier 1 & 2 type of teacher. I basically used technology for the purposes of looking for
teaching materials and to get my work done. Now, I will be moving into Tier 3, where I can involve students into using the tools so that lesson will be more interactive and beneficial. The picture I chose above explains it all. When we involve students into using the technology, they will learn better. It will also be a good practice for my students, to work individually or collaboratively using technology, before they enter their tertiary level education at universities or colleges.

I feel so excited to teach now, knowing that I have wonderful resources to use. Through this course, I’ve not only learn about new tools, but also some important theories and the importance of using these tools to overcome classroom problems. I’ve learned that technology-enhanced tools should not be used just because they are fun, but they must be able to solve the problems or the issues in teaching or learning. 

So, what I’ve learned through this course

   

a. Blog- I never had a blog but now I love the idea of blogging. Very soon, I will start a blog for my school’s English teacher.

b. Delicious- I've found a way to organize my bookmarks. It’s very easy to look for websites using Delicious.

c. Search engines- It has always been Google when it comes to searching for information or images. Now, I can use different search engines for different purposes.

d. Online exercises- I can now come up with my own crossword puzzles, word search, online examination papers and online quizzes.

e. Listening websites – Randall’s Cyber Listening Lab is a good website to conduct listening. I’ve also learned the importance of conducting pre and post listening activities.

f. Rubrics – I was glad to know that we can prepare our own rubrics online and it was so easy. I can now come up with rubrics for classroom activities.

g. WebQuests – The best of all. Yes, I enjoyed learning on how to design webquest and I will continue using this tool for my writing classes.

h. PBL- I’ve heard about Problem-based Learning but not Project-based Learning. I also found a book on PBL by Diana L.Fried-Booth and I’m looking through at some good project ideas that would suit my students.

i. Interactive PowerPoint – So now I know how to design effective and interactive slides. Short and simple and some important techniques such as blank slides, videos and quiz will do a great one.

j. Padlet – This is another useful tool, not only for students but also for teachers. We just need to look for suitable videos or articles and add it on the Padlet wall. This tool will be great for collaborative work.

k. Class Wiki – The best thing I’ve created. I throroughly enjoyed creating my class Wiki and I find it to be a good platform to interact with my students. It can be used to update information on homework, uploading documents and even posting on the best student of the month. My students were excited to know that I’ve created a class Wiki and now they are waiting for me to share the URL (I am waiting for their exams to be over).

Yes, using technology makes a difference. Our roles as educatorsmight change, but we still are the teachers. We should learn to adopt and adapt to newer changes in our lives, and technology is one of them.  Initiate this change and you will learn how much it can benefit in our teaching field.

Lastly, thank you to our great instructor, Sean. You have been such a wonderful instructor and always gave a helping hand in times of need. You have been a good example of how a teacher should be. You are always very optimistic and encouraging. Thank you once again. I wish to work with you in future and to meet you in person one day. 

And to all the participants, 

Thank you so much for being so nice and helpful. I believe we have learned a lot from each other throughout these 10 weeks.