Course Overview:
GDSE 584 gave me the opportunity to explore some of the technology out there - something I haven't had time to do since I started teaching! When I was in teacher training, we were continuously learning about different pieces of technology that we could introduce to our classrooms. Without the practical knowledge of what classrooms were like, so many of these tools went over my head. I really enjoyed having the opportunity now, five years later, to return to this topic with a different perspective. Now, when I spent the time exploring new technology, I am better able to think about how this technology could be incorporated.
As well, since I am coming at this course from an inclusive education perspective, there is different value to these technologies than from a traditional math/science perspective. Each and every learner in our classroom are unique, and these technologies help serve their unique needs. As the teacher, it is my job to ensure that each student has access to the technology they need to learn and develop.
As well, since I am coming at this course from an inclusive education perspective, there is different value to these technologies than from a traditional math/science perspective. Each and every learner in our classroom are unique, and these technologies help serve their unique needs. As the teacher, it is my job to ensure that each student has access to the technology they need to learn and develop.
By building the technology toolbelt, I was able to dive into a wide variety of technology. What I found most interesting was the technology that centered around math, particularly EquatIO. Prior to this course, I had a decent amount of experience helping students with their English homework using Google Read & Write, but I didn't even know that EquatIO existed! I can see how powerful this piece of technology could be in a classroom.
As well, I have never built a website before. I had a small amount of experience helping students navigate Google Sites, but beyond that I have never so much as thought about building a website. I really enjoyed learning Weebly, its customizations, and how simple and user-friendly it is!
As well, I have never built a website before. I had a small amount of experience helping students navigate Google Sites, but beyond that I have never so much as thought about building a website. I really enjoyed learning Weebly, its customizations, and how simple and user-friendly it is!
What I Hope to Incorporate:
After taking this course, I feel as though I have a much better sense of some of the assistive technology out there. Thinking about my math/science courses from an inclusive education perspective, I am eager to try and incorporate EquatIO into my class. At the moment, I'm not sure how it will look, as I am unsure of the math courses that I'll be teaching. It would look very different in an academic class vs a workplace math class.
As well, I am planning on putting more of an emphasis on my students to build their own technology toolbelts. The idea of the toolbelt really resonated with me, as each learner has such different needs. By demonstrating the wide assortment of programs available to help them with their work, and having the students pick what works for them, they will be much better equipped.
As well, I am planning on putting more of an emphasis on my students to build their own technology toolbelts. The idea of the toolbelt really resonated with me, as each learner has such different needs. By demonstrating the wide assortment of programs available to help them with their work, and having the students pick what works for them, they will be much better equipped.
This year, the math department at my school switched to Moodle from Google Classroom. We did this for many reasons, but specifically due to COVID. Moodle allowed us to import lessons from the WCLN, so students could access them at home as needed. Moodle is such an easy platform to integrate links for students. I am going to share with my colleagues the idea of having students create their own toolbelt of assistive technologies that work for them, from a bank of various technologies provided on their Moodle site. That way, the technologies are integrated directly into their coursework.
Continuing Personal / Professional Growth:
I would like to continue developing my website skills. I have just gotten a very introductory grasp on how to build a website, and all of the custimizations that are possible. This will be a valuable way of documenting my learning in my future courses!