After reflecting on my personal learning theory from the
beginning of the course, my beliefs have evolved to incorporate my new
knowledge. I would add more teaching strategies, and learning activities that
correspond to promote deep learning in my classroom. I have learned the
cognitive reasons that support learning strategies, and technology that
corresponds to these strategies.
I have already started to add more strategies to my teaching
tool belt. Instead of using a verity of strategies throughout the school year, I
used a multitude of strategies in each lesson. I have also started to explain
the reasoning behind the different learning activities and teaching strategies
to my students. My students are receptive to the explanations and are willing
try new types of activities.
My school focuses on six instructional strategies that they
feel are most important to see in the classroom. After taking this course, I am
able to understand these strategies from a new perspective. All of the
strategies my school pushes are ones we covered in class. I feel that I am more
equipped to teach using these strategies in partnership with technology.
Incorporating these instructional strategies based on what I learned in class
will help me stand out as a proficient teacher.
Earlier in the course, I took my students on a virtual field
trip and created a graphic organizer online. Thee two tools will enhance
students learning. Bringing art to my students will create new real world
experiences for them. My students will gain cultural experiences in which they
can use to connect new information to. Online graphic organizers were a hit in
my class. This tool gave my
students a cause to learn in a collaborative group. The students also were
willing and eager to participate in class discussions without getting
distracted.
Two long-term goals I have to improve my teaching practice
in regards to technology are to utilize technology with my students outside the
classroom and to update/ transforms my best lessons using technology. I would
like to create more flipped classroom experiences for my students. My class is
project heavy, and students can learn, and get assessed outside the classroom
leaving class time for the creation of projects. I would also like to implement an online classroom environment
where students can have discussions, share ideas, and also be a part of a
larger artistic community beyond our school. I will start this goal by first
making a link to all students through the online grade book system. I will be
able to communicate with my students and share new information with them. I
will also conduct research about my student’s technological resources at home
and plan based on my findings. Every teacher has lessons in their arsenal that
are highly successful, engaging and fun. I would like to take those lessons I
have and update them using technology. This may be as simple as adding a
virtual field trip to the lesson, more complex by adding the construction of a
Wiki page. My goal is to start
adding bits of technology as I learn them. I will then take the time over the
summer to assess and keep what worked and re-think what did not. This lesson
overhaul will take some experimentation and time.
