Module+8+Reflection


 * // Reflection Prompt: //** Summarize your learning for this term. How will you use the knowledge you have constructed to improve your use of technology for learning in your class and for your own personal and professional development?

If I had to summarize my feelings for the content that I learned over this term, the word would be "overwhelming". Not overwhelming in terms of workload, complexity, nor depth of material, but realizing just how broad the field of Instructional Technology really is. Trying to digest all of the NETS standards all at-once is not humanly possible. And given that these standards are draped upon contextual frameworks of pedagogy, content, social, ethical, legal, and equity issues, the standards mean different things in different contexts. These standards also apply differently at implementation levels (facilitator, leader, administrator, etc.), making grasp of them even more mind boggling.



So, naturally I felt overwhelmed with all of this information that I need to eventually master. This Introduction to Instructional Technology class is just that, an introduction. It surveys all of these standards in a broad fashion, which are addressed in more detail in later classes. The goal of the I.T. program is not to cover all of the standards in great detail; it is left to each student to shape educational technology into their own environment. That is what the ePortfolio is all about, to encourage us to apply the major aspects of the standards into real-world experiences that we can relate to and learn from. This introductory class is about what is important and what is possible with educational technology, giving us a push in the right direction.

Perhaps the most important thing I learned is the connection that technology has between teaching, pedagogy, and content. The realization that technology affects all three learning domains was quite an eye opener. When I now develop technical resources for my department, training materials for the larger customer body whom I serve (the college), and personal works for myself or others, this TPACK framework will be considered. It taught me that using technology for its sake alone is not enough for effective learning, that is must tie-in to pedagogical methods, relate to content, and truly enhance teaching. Even more, it helps me create new methods, content, teaching, etc. that technology makes possible. Not only can technology enhance existing learning, but opens new avenues (and content area) to learn as well.

I also learned how the use of technology must respect social, ethical, legal, equity, and human issues. For instance, certain technologies are ineffective if students do not have adequate access to them. There is a "code of conduct" that must be followed when entering the world of the Internet, not just for students but for instructors and facilitators like myself. Technology can enhance assessment and evaluation before and after learning, given consideration of the these issues. When planning assessments, creating lesson plans, acquiring/implementing technology, etc., I need to assess each class' unique personality, learning ability, technological familiarity & comfort levels, etc. Technology has a human aspect that cannot be taken lightly.

The topic about online learning and teaching was helpful, given that I am online student with first-hand experience. Not only did I learn a few ideas to make my own experience more effective, but being a student helps me plan considerate online experiences when I eventually teach others this way. I learned the importance of immediate feedback, building online communities, and keeping information highly organized and accessible. When students have a clear path of what needs to be done, it makes their available time focused. Again, the human aspect of online learning cannot be missed. Students need to have readily accessible connections to the teacher, peers, experts in the field, etc., so that learning is not done in a vacuum. Learning with technology is all about shared acquisition and the dispersing of knowledge; knowledge has now become a "social thing".

How can I improve my use of technology for learning in future classes and for personal & professional development? Well, there is still much that I need to learn. Just reading and trying to memorize all of the NETS standards is not enough (nor it is it possible). I believe that the best way to learn how technology connects to learning is by doing, given a foundational knowledge of these standards as guides. This is where the ePortfolio comes in, providing the experiences that I need to apply what I have learned. The ePortfolio, when artifacts are selected carefully, provides adequate coverage of the major NETS standards areas.

Given that my field is with computers and that I already use technology in my job, resource development, and training venues, my current use of technology to enhance learning is rudimentary at best. I plan to delve into Web 2.0 tools for better communication, access to information resources, and for building learning communities. I also plan to do a better job of connecting technology to pedagogy and content, that technology itself does not replace pedagogy in all situations. Becoming a better online student will help me to become a better online instructor, but hopefully I can have some online teaching experience before this program is finished. Perhaps that will become one of my artifacts! Future classes in this program will surely give me the knowledge that I need to get started in this area.