EDLD+5364+Reflection+Week+3

**Sprite Know **

=EDLD 5364 Cohort 17 =

Garland ISD
== All throughout this week we have been exposed to a new perspective on education. The videos and readings provided an amazing insight into what Teaching with Technology really means. I was particularly impressed by Cameron's story and how he has taken control of his own learning experience, surpassing what any of his teachers could offer to him. I wonder about myself as an educator. How many students in my class could offer themselves more learning experiences than those I could offer them? It is an eye opener as much as it is a catapult to become a better teacher! == == This week we learned that technology can actually help us tackle diversity individualizing instruction according to students' needs. In an educational system that is still paper-based, we were able to see how to evolve into using technology and implement other forms of feedback for those whose "element" (Robinson, 2009) is not easily determined. The use of tools such as word processing software, kidspiration and powerpoint, are a great way for students that struggle with writing and organization of ideas. For those that lack confidence in themselves, the classroom response systems provide anonymity and allow for them to provide an honest answer without the fear of criticism as stated by Pitler (2007) in Using technology with classroom instruction that works. == == As a way to extend the classroom experience I have started an educational blog, provided and supported by my school district, in which students can feel safe and take that extra time at home to respond to classroom instruction. It is a small step towards change, but I feel it is worth it. Even though blogs are seen more as a “writing journal” (Solomon, 2007), I find this Web 2.0 tool of great help in extending the classroom experience beyond the school hours. Students are eager to complete what we started in class through posting on the blog. References: ==