As an elementary physical education teacher, technology does not play a significant role in my classroom except through music, sound system, and a microphone. My primary goal as a physical education teacher is to get students moving o release endorphins, so they can return to their homerooms more focused and ready to learn. This program helped me see how implementing technology could benefit my program and engage my students. My only regret is that I wish I began the program sooner. During COVID, I had to teach physical education in the homerooms. I was not allowed to use the gymnasium or any physical education equipment for instruction. I taught my students face-to-face and virtually simultaneously. I relied heavily on technology during that school year. I felt unprepared and inept with technology and wasn't sure how I would survive the year. However, I managed to get through the year and provided the students with engaging lessons with technology. I only wish I took this program during that time because I could have used the skills and knowledge I gained to make it even more engaging for the students.
This program allowed me to gain the confidence I needed to feel comfortable tackling any challenges I experienced with media and technology. I feel more comfortable taking the knowledge I learned and implementing technology in my classroom to provide a more engaging learning environment for my students. Since starting this program, I have gotten my media specialist to teach me how to use a Simplicity Board. Now that I know how to use the board, I have started using it at least once a week in my classroom. I have used it to do group warm-ups, show different videos on skills we are learning, and assess my students through Kahoot! I would have never ventured down this road in the past, but now I feel confident in my ability to implement different technology strategies.
I enjoyed this program and all of the different classes I took. I learned valuable strategies and techniques from every class and I have already implemented these strategies in my classroom. I found the program beneficial and valuable for educators who wish to improve their instruction with technology. The program taught me a lot about being a change agent. It has sparked my interest in taking on a more active role within my school. I have already joined the school's technology team and hope to make positive changes within the school environment to enhance student learning and provide engaging learning environments. I feel I have a voice that can help make positive changes within my school, community, and personal life by implementing technology to help improve student success and increase student engagement.