Teaching+with+Technology+-+EDLD+5364+-+Final+Assessment


 * __Final Assessment: Course Reflection Response__****__s__**
 * 1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?**

Before the course began, I had envisioned working together to create a unit that would meet students’ individual differences while addressing the technology trends of today. I expected to meet with my group at least once per week to discuss the weekly assignments. Looking back at the past five weeks, I believe that my group did achieve the outcomes. Our group met on Tokbox for our videoconferences and throughout the week we used Google Docs and email to communicate our thoughts and ideas about how to solve the task at hand. The actual course outcomes did align with those that I had envisioned. We created our unit for an English Language Arts class. We also created several lessons to assist students with a variety of unique needs and disabilities. Students’ disabilities included a blind student and one who was hearing impaired. Unit lessons included a multimedia presentation, a KWHL chart, student blog posts, and a WebQuest.


 * 2. To the extent that you achived the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?**

The outcomes the we achieved for our group task are very relevant for today’s classrooms. Today’s schools have students that require various teaching methods and modalities to reach and engage them. Each curriculum area and each grade level has its own challenges for educators. We were able to work together as a group, coming together from various subject areas and worked together to create a unit to solve the task presented to us. Today’s educators are required to do the exact same thing. Teachers in our school must work with other colleagues and administrators to ensure that each student has been presented with a lesson that can stimulate, engage, and challenge. Today’s educators have to differentiate their lessons to accommodate the special needs of specific students. Sometimes, this requires working together with a team of educators to accomplish the goal. We did just that. We came together and collaboratively created a unit lesson that would meet the needs for a variety of students in the classroom.


 * 3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?**

I believe that we met all of the outcomes that we had envisioned. Our weekly planning, email communication, and video conferences within our group provided a way for everyone on our team to be well informed. Our group discussions and brainstorming sessions provided ways for everyone to share their thoughts and a creative, yet safe environment. The main attributes that every member of the team displayed were a love for kids and a desire to see them succeed. Because of our shared goals, our role as educators to solve the task presented to us during this course was very straightforward. The diverse talent on the team was also a factor in our team meeting all of our desired outcomes. Team member expertise included middle school technology applications and math, middle school librarian and media specialist, as well as a kindergarten teacher. Our team used the various areas of expertise to make sure that all of the lessons in our unit would positively impact student achievement and create an environment for success.


 * 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?**

I was successful in completing all of the course assignments. Working collaboratively within our group also provided tremendous support for solving our group scenario. Due to the large scope of the problem presented to us, working with other colleagues made solving the issue at hand much easier. Our team collectively and individually worked towards our final goal; to create a unit that meets students’ individual differences, while also addressing today’s learning trends. The use of today’s Web 2.0 technology tools also helped our team successfully complete our assignments. Our team used Google Docs, Google Sites, and Tokbox to share ideas, brainstorm, and review each other’s work. I was also able to post to my wiki on a weekly basis. The weekly readings and video clips provided insight and knowledge for our group to solve the task at hand as well as personal insight that I can use in the classroom today. For example, the Cast UDL Book Builder web site provided an easy to use process for teachers and students to create e-books in any subject area.


 * 5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?**

This course provided me with an awareness that the diverse population of the students in schools today is growing. I learned that I enjoy using today’s Web 2.0 technology to collaborate with my team members to solve our group problem. I also learned that I enjoy being able to contribute my expertise to the group. My technology skills were put to good use during the course. I was able to create two videos that were embedded into our Technology Products page of our Google Site. My leadership skills were also very evident in our weekly group videoconferences. I noticed that I really enjoy sharing my ideas and being able to produce a technology lesson that was a result of group collaboration. Throughout this course, my attitude was evident. Every student has the ability to learn. Every student has the potential to succeed. However, not every student learns the same way or has the same needs. We, as educators, need to be able to engage each student to create an environment where they can be successful.