It's all coming together

Wk 6

Since the first week we have been learning how to effectively use ICT’s in the classroom.  It has taken me a few weeks to really understand how this is done.  Technology is not simply an ‘add on tool’ so that we can say we are “technology savvy teachers” and feel better about our selves. It is also not simply a fun thing we can use from time to time as time filler. This is only time wasting!

This course has taught me that technology needs to be incorporated in the planning of our lessons, in order to really support learning outcomes, just as it has been incorporated in the planning of our learning adventures. I know this LA1 has really made the necessary integration of Pedagogy, curriculum and technology clear to me.  This thinking aligns with the TPCK model. (Koehler & Mishra, 2008) and this thinking has now become my way of thinking.

In the tutorial this week we had the chance to discuss what groups had planned so far for the LA1. It was great to hear other people’s ideas and progress. This really gave our group a clearer direction of the path we were on. I am really looking forward to seeing all of the other groups’ videos, so please share them. Our group met to start making our words on pages come to life through the use of Xtranormal. Our group's ideas are really beginning to come together. This week has really helped me in understanding how we will incorporate a literary focus within our learning adventure. Working in groups is definitely a challenge when you have a million things going on. I don’t think I would have survived if it weren’t for Google Groups and Google Docs.

When speaking to my Prac teacher about ways of incorporating ICT’s in the classroom, she seemed eager to hear my ideas. I think my excitement is rubbing off on her. It is so great to be able to share my new knowledge with someone else.

References:

Koehler, M. & Mishra, P. (2008). Introducing technological pedagogical content knowledge. Paper presented at the Annual meeting of the American Education Research Association, New York City, NY.