ME-326 Reflection

• What are the key areas in which you learned new skills/information about technology this semester?

I have improved in knowledge of ways to implement multimedia in the classroom, as well as my proficiency in software used for the creation of class material. Through creating projects for fake scenarios, I have developed a better idea of where and when I can use certain softwares to enhance my curriculum. For instance It would be appropriate to do an audio podcast during a study of the history of an era of music, but not for teaching notation. For the latter of those two, a Screenflow project would be much more effective. Getting hands on with this technology (including Screenflow and iBooks) has also given me practical knowledge in their inner workings.

• What are the key areas in which you increased your knowledge about integrating technology into your teaching?

Creating contextualized projects where we had to put together a presentation that was supposed to fit in a larger unit, and having several projects that are related, has given me a better idea of how I would fit these softwares into my teaching. I feel that this was a much more effective way for us to learn the technology than just trying to use every feature of a software without actually having a theme. I am grateful that the structure of these projects was actually related to real subjects, and I plan on actually adapting some of my projects in this course into my curriculum.

• Of all the topics we addressed this semester, which one (or more)  would you still like to learn about?

I would definitely like to spend more time with Screenflow. I feel like that it would be a useful tool to master for my teaching, and also for my personal interests in posting instructional videos online. I'd also like to become better at podcast creation because I feel like that is a tool I will actually use in my teaching quite a lot.

• How would you compare or contrast what you learned this semester from the way technology was used by your teachers during your K-12 schooling?

I was lucky enough to have a K-12 education that was very tech integrated. The elementary school I went to had smart boards installed in the last year I was there, and there were many fun activities that we integrated with that. My Middle school, and my High school were 1 to 1 integrated, meaning every student had their own laptop, and were expected to have it for every class. This allowed teachers to use a lot of technology in class as well as out of class. In our music department we had a music tech lab equiped with full MIDI keyboards, writing and recording software. The large majority of my assignments for my IB music class, as well as my other classes were assigned, completed, and submitted online. I recognize that my schooling was incredibly unique, and that I was very lucky to have such wonderful facilities, programmes, and teachers, and I know that that has given me an upper hand in my ability to quickly adapt to the subjects taught in this class.

• How would you describe your attitude toward technology now compared to the beginning of the semester?

My attitude towards technology in the classroom has not changed since the beginning of the semester. What has changed is my knowledge of specific technology, and my ability to integrate it in my classroom. My passion for technology in the classroom has always been there, this course has just given me more tools to use to support my pursuit of tech integration.
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