Technology is constantly evolving and becoming more advanced every day. This is why it is imperative for educators to continue to stay up-to-date with current research and trends aligned with instructional technology. By staying current, educators can provide their students with the most accurate and current information that will provide students with more engaging learning experiences.
MEDT 8463: Issues in Instructional Technology
I investigated and researched the controversial debate between Richard Clark and Robert Kozma for this assignment. This debate focused on whether media and technology play a significant role in student learning. The debate took place over 30 years ago. With the advancements in media and technology since then it would be interesting to see if Clark and Kozma would still feel the same way. After researching both sides of the debate, I sided with Robert Kozma. Here is a link to view my Clark vs. Kozma Debate Paper.
MEDT 7490: Visual and Media Literacy for Teaching and Learning
Research on Digital Storytelling in the classroom
This assignment provided me the opportunity to research the impact digital storytelling has on student learning in the classroom. Digital storytelling has become an increasingly popular method and technique used by teachers all over the world. Implementing digital storytelling in classroom instruction helps provide students with a more student-centered learning experience that increases student engagement. Click on the link to view my paper on Research on Digital Storytelling in the classroom.
I think that the biggest challenge I faced was trying to get myself in the right frame of mind about doing research and graduate work again. It was an adjustment and challenge trying to prioritize my time every week around work, school, being a parent of two, and being a wife. I received my Master's degree in 2005, right after receiving my bachelor's degree. So, needless to say, I have it had been almost 20 ears since I was in school taking classes. These classes tested me regularly on being better at managing my time and keeping me on the right track in all aspects of my life. These assignments made me get into the mindset of researching and investigating different trends in instructional technology. I didn't realize the full capacity of changes that were evolving and improving education daily. Both of these classes opened my eyes to all that has advanced since I was in school last and also created a challenge for me because I felt inadequate in my abilities coming into the program.
These assignments display my understanding of SLO 1. SLO 1 demonstrates my knowledge of being able to synthesize issues and research to determine my view on different instructional methods being implemented in classrooms. The Clark vs. Kozma debate allowed me to research both men's opinions on whether media influences student learning. This assignment enabled me to decide which view I sided with in the debate and why. In addition, the digital storytelling assignment allowed me to do research and explore the impact this new trend was influencing classroom instruction. Both of these assignments provided me with the skills to investigate research and trends surrounding instructional technology in the classroom. They also proved that with the advancements in technology, we will continue to see new trends throughout the years to come, so it is imperative we continue to explore new trends.
Both assignments were eye-opening because they gave me the opportunity to expand my research skills and to learn about trends that were seen with the use of technology in the classrooms. Being a physical education teacher, I never really considered the implementation of technology in my curriculum except through the use of a microphone, iPod, and a sound system. Exploring the Clark vs. Kozma debate, allowed me to see two differing opinions on whether media and technology play a significant role in learning. After reviewing both sides of the debate, I sided with Kozma and believe that media and technology do play a role in learning if implemented effectively. Using digital storytelling in the classroom is extremely effective. I used this in my physical education class and it helped my students learn the correct steps in throwing a ball overhand and underhand. Using pictures to create a story helped my students fully understand the correct format and steps to throwing a ball.