Module+8+Reflection

=Reflection 8=

=** // 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? **= = =

Description
====Two things that I have learned this term and have helped to prepare me for when I graduate with my degree in Instructional Technology are writing wiki reflections, and my Philosophy of Education. Both of these tools have made me more reflective as an educator with my uses of technology in the classroom as well as in the professional community.====

Impact
====﻿This semester, one of the things that greatly impacted me throughout this course was my wiki reflection site. I really enjoyed writing the reflections every module because it was a place that I could truly analyze my understanding of the content in the course, and consider the implications within my own classroom. In light of reflection on technology and classroom needs, sometimes as educators we are "asked" to try out new things in the classroom, and we often aren't given good data as to whether things are done to promote student learning, or if they are done because they are the new buzz words or ideas in education. If the people who implemented these policies took the time to do a needs assessment, then perhaps they would choose different technologies or ideas to promote student learning. Their initiatives often don't come after much reflection, and fail before they even start because the staff finds the results to be minimal or non-existent. Reflection on the needs you have as a professional are very important because they promote growth as an educator and an individual, and I think it has definitely made a positive impact on me as a leader in my classroom and building.====

====﻿I also enjoyed writing my Philosophy of Education. I believe that poor teachers don't really understand what theory they are teaching from, and that to better prepare lessons for their students, they need to know what pihlosophy that they come from and teach students according to it. Essentially it identifies the "why" of what we do in our classrooms rather than the just the procedures, and this can help us to focus our instruction and planning to better suit the needs of students. I identifed myself as a constructivist, and this will help me to align my instructional goals and activities to my students while still addressing what I feel the main objectives and goals are for education. Ultimately my goal is to better serve my students and help them grow, and if I grow as an educator and constantly assess what my understanding of education is, and what my goals are, then I can constantly grow and adapt to the needs of my 21st Century students.====

Intent
====﻿In retrospect, I wish that this class had been available when I had first started the program because it would have helped me better assess what I wanted to gain as a student and educator in this field. I know what my strengths and weaknesses are as an educator, and through the work I have completed during this course, I am aware of not only where I presently am at, but also where my skills need to be worked on to add even more growth and understanding. While the growth might not be instantaneous, I know that it will be worth putting the time and effort forth because of the positive impact that I have had thus far in the program. As a result of the strides I have made, I am a better and more reflective educator who can use my grasp of content, technology, and student needs to plan more effectively, and to better address the goals set forth by my district, school building, and classroom. In essence, I now have the tools, and know the areas where I can continue to strive for excellence, making me not only more powerful to my students, but also in the professional community at large.====