Throughout this semester, I have spent time exploring, creating, and iterating as I considered the role of educational technology. There were many elements to my work in this course, and thus various important themes. However, my work in CEP811 in best synthesized through my 3 greatest takeaways.
- Accessibility is key.
Ensuring accessibility, and using technology to make learning more accessible is the best use of such efforts. Incorporating technology into the classroom increases the customization and individualization of the learning experience. In how this course was delivered, accessibility was demonstrated by offering an asynchronous format where students and the instructor interacted online when it was convenient. Also, video content was shared with an accompanying transcript every time. In my exploration in edtech, this was exploring what machine learning offers for language learners, and thus for multilingual learners in any course. Becoming ever more familiar with ChatGPT and the ways it can transform ideas for understanding among different audiences is invaluable. Additionally, bringing the lens of intersectionality to the classroom asks the educator to confront their students’ systemic disadvantages.
2. Constructionism and Constructivism are new elements in my educational pedagogy.
Unit 3 of this course was all about constructionism and constructivism. In other words, individualized and contextualized scaffolding for students, and learning by creating relevant things, are two ways to augment the classroom experience. While these ideas have been part of my teaching practice, I lacked the pedagogical understanding of their value. When students can place their learning in their world, and use their hands to do or create something about that learning, they are establishing important connections that embed the lessons deeper. As a Spanish teacher, this means learning vocabulary based on student interests and asking students to present about those topics. I now have the intention of couching lessons in the student’s lives and inviting them to interact with, explore, and create new things/experiences/ideas based on the lessons.
3. The internet is overflowing with available media.
Prior to this course, my understanding of the Creative Commons and copyright was cursory. However, I now have a thorough understanding that allows me to find and use media confidently. This is critically important because often educators are recreating that which is available to them, effectively wasting their time. Now, I know how to search, remix, attribute, and utilize audio clips, videos, and images. Effective media further supports making classroom activities more accessible and relevant for students. It not only saves time, but can create better understanding for students.
This course has refined my teaching tools. It has provided critical questions that I can return to as I create lessons and plans for my students.
- Has this been done already? Can I find and use it?
- How is this relevant to my students’ experience?
- Are the students invited to explore?
- What can be made here?
- Can all of my students engage in this meaningfully?
- What is the role technology is playing?
These questions will continue to guide my teaching and push me to improve the learning experiences I create. If these questions also speak to you, I’ve gone back to basics and created a poster to reference as you are creating for your classroom. Whether you are planning out the school year, or designing an Individualized Learning Plan, reference this poster for support. If it would be helpful, print it and post it in your office. Considering these questions will encourage greater depth and impact in your learning plans.
References:
Ackermann, E. (2001). Piaget’s Constructivism, Papert’s Constructionism: What’s the Difference?. Future of Learning Group Publication, 5(3), 1-11, doi:10.1.1.132.4253
Creative Commons. (n.d.). What we do. Creative Commons. https://creativecommons.org/about/
TED. (2016). Kimberle Crenshaw: The urgency of intersectionality [Video]. TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality?language=en
TEDxTalk. (2013, January 10). Reimagining learning: Richard Culatta at TEDx Beacon Street [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0uAuonMXrg&feature=emb_logo