~ In Week 1, we started the class with "Get to Know You" exercises where the class made name plates and identified commonalities and differences within each other. Professor Chen then went over the syllabus, which mentioned class expectations and the attendance policy, which was very beneficial to hear. After watching a few videos discussing the evolution of technology in the education system, we filled out an open discussion forum talking about our personal opinions about technology in the classroom, whether or not we support it, and any pros and cons associated with it. Additionally, we began working on our class Digital Portfolios, which I really enjoyed because I got to work independently and at my own pace! I am excited and honestly a bit nervous to see what the course has to offer. The early morning drive to Discovery Park is not my favorite, however, I am really interested to learn how the digital world has/will impact education, especially as our society has evolved into one that relies heavily on technology.
~ In Week 2, we opened class by watching a video that introduced the definition of "Educational Technologies" and how technology can be used to create a meaningful learning experience for students, but there are also harmful technologies that could have disproportional effects. Then we got the opportunity to independently read about the Markerspace here at UNT, which I found to be very interesting because I never knew I had access to all of these technologies, like an embroidery machine. I found it really interesting that in the video we watched discussing "Problems in Practice," a big reason there is such a high level of teacher turnover rate is due to the lack of understanding of the unique experiences, cultures, and experiences of students. However, I began to feel conflicted as we watched the video that argued that students are spending too much time on computers, as the education system has turned basically completely digital. I really enjoyed when we got to break out into small groups and focus on ways that technology can be useful for our preferred teaching age group.
~ So far, Week 3 has been one of my favorite weeks as I really enjoyed not only learning about what a SWOT Analysis is but also being able to create my own version of one. I think another reason why I enjoyed this class so much was that I felt a wave of nostalgia as we discussed various digital tools that are used in schools, like Google applications, Quizzezz, and my personal favorite, Kahoot. I found it interesting that these "digital tools" can be assessed and dissected by both teachers and students to see the accessibility and effectiveness of the application. Additionally, learning about the effectiveness and purpose behind a SWOT Analysis and how it's an actual assessment that was conducted by researchers was super interesting. While taking time to work on SWOT Analysis, I felt like I was doing real-life work and not just learning about something and moving to the next task. Overall, it was super cool to be able to relate my problem of practice to an educational digital tool and then assess how well that tool can accommodate to my POP.
~ Week 4, we learned all about the models: PICRAT, SAMR, and TPACK, which are methods used to analyze and integrate technology into education. Completing the PearDeck in class was really nice, as we were able to look at our other classmates' answers and thoughts on the various questions asked about technological theory. For a portion of the class, we got to choose an article to analyze about one of the three models; I chose the article about the SAMR model. After some time, your group had to present information about the article in front of the class. To be completely honest, I did not enjoy this activity, as the SAMR article was less of an article and more of a presentation about technologies that use the SAMR model. Thus, it was very difficult to present to the class, as my group and I didn't have much information to discuss so I felt frustrated that the rest of my class got to analyze a real article, and I didn't. However, after that activity, we got to dive deeper specifically into the PICRAT model. I wasn't feeling too confident about the model, as it was a new concept that I had just been introduced to. I really enjoyed that last part of class, though, because we were allowed to work independently on our mini lesson plans.
~ In Week 5, to start off the class, we reviewed the PICRAT model, which I found to be very beneficial, as I'm still not too confident with the concept. We then moved into reading an article that we got to choose about terms of service and use policies for different companies. We had to go in front of the class and present our findings about the article that we read, like we did last week. To be honest, I really don't like presenting in front of the class, as there isn't much criteria given about what we should be saying, and we don't get any time to discuss with our group, so I felt underprepared and afraid to talk in front of the entire class. I thought it was really interesting watching the Crash Course videos, though, as I got to hear about the adaptation of technology and have the internet has changed the world not just in education. In class, we also discussed the importance of internet safety, the digital footprint that we leave, and how that affects our classrooms as future teachers. Then we had time to work on our assignment for the class, which was to analyze a chapter from the book "Teaching With Digital Tools and Apps" that evaluated privacy in apps.
~ In Week 6, we started the class with a discussion about what coding was and how the different levels of people's abilities to code in school have helped them. I personally know absolutely nothing about coding, so I found it really interesting to actually learn what the process is and how it can impact the schooling system. We also went over how AI and coding can actually be beneficial to teach and integrate into schools because there are certain standards that align with them. Next, we examined how AI plays a role in our lives and different platforms that use generative AI. I found it really interesting and sometimes funny to hear about the different experiences that people in our classes have had with AI. I really got nostalgic thinking about all of the times that I've used AI, and how many times my professors have painted out AI as being a bad application, but it is actually really helpful if used the right way. A big chunk of the class was spent discussing specific AI policies in school districts and how the education system has changed to adapt to the current technological improvements in society. I really enjoyed that we got so much time to work on our discussion post, which was due at the end of the day!
~ In week 7, this was our last face-to-face class :(. Professor Cheng started the class by providing us with snacks and thanking us for coming to class and continuing to participate, which made me feel really special. A big chunk of the class consisted of us breaking into small groups to examine a textbook chapter, going over evaluating accessibility in the classroom. I examined assistive technology; learned about the POUR model, and even got to see a real-life assistive tool being used by one of my group members, which was really cool. One of my group members highlighted the fact that most disabilities are invisible, so do not jump to assumptions about students because you never know what they are going through; this really resonated with me. Next, we watched an interview with a speech pathologist who talked about her real-life experiences in her job and how accessibility is such a key factor in education. I found it really interesting to hear about the journey and various certifications that an SLP has to go through to get to their title; I'm heavily considering getting my Master's degree, I'm just not sure in what yet, so it was very refreshing hearing that I could also become an SLP one day if I wanted to! Overall, I really enjoyed this class, not just this week, but the class as a whole. I have learned a lot more than I expected, and I hope to carry some of my knowledge into my future classroom.