Reflection on EdTech

What I have learned through out the semester... 

The Educational Technology Application (EdTech) class has probably been the most impactful class I have taken so far during my graduate school journey. I say that because I believe students learn best through technology. Computers, tablets, phones, and applications help students better understand the material being taught in the classroom. Teachers also benefit from using technology in the classroom because they can relate to the students through their instructions.  

For me, I have learned that there are many fun tools out there for teachers to use to assess formative assessments. My growth throughout the semester came in gaining a better understanding of formative assessments, and the tools that are out there for teachers to use. 

Before the class, I didn't think much of Google Forms. As we dove deeper into Formative Assessments I started to reflect on my time as a teacher 3 years ago and how my co-teacher and I used these tools to assess our student's understanding of the material that day. We used Google Forms as an exit ticket each day. 

After going through this class, I now have a better understanding of formative assessments. This type of assessment is meant to provide teachers with information about what the students know. There is no pressure on the student with this type of assessment. Teachers are just looking at what the students know so that they can better design their lessons to help them on the next go around. 

As an educator, I like to be able to use a variety of formative assessment tools in the classroom to help my students learn in a fun and less pressured way. This class has opened my eyes to many resources to choose from. 

The ISTE standard for educators I hope to emulate as an educator would be Analyst; Standard 7b - Use technology to design and implement a variety of formative and summative assessments that accommodate learner needs, provide timely feedback to students and inform instruction.  

After taking the course, I have become a firm believer in students learning through technology. There are many online resources out there for teachers to use the implement formative assessments. Early in the semester, I talked about IXL is a great tool for teachers to use as a way to collect data on their student's understanding of the material they are currently learning. This tool is fun and does not put pressure on the students. It provides the teacher with live data for them to use when providing feedback to the students. This is just one of the many online resources that accommodate students learning needs. 

Comments

  1. Rod CarnillMay 3, 2020 at 4:17 PM

    I would also add Designer. Once an Analyst collects the data on students they must act on the data through well designed lessons that meet the learner where they are. I think also Collaborator would be in your wheelhouse as well. Collaborating with others is part of the formative assessment process when teachers collaborate with learners to set goals, measure growth and evidence learning.

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