Final Thoughts

1. What are some things that you have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology?  The big thing I learned about technology is how to reinforce your lesson. I was so use to using technology as lecture accessory or maybe using a smart board for problems. I never really knew how to use it to reinforce objectives or communicate with students for better understanding. I found the Educator's checklist is an incredibly valuable tool. I like editting a Wiki, using a blog or Weebly and expecially liked the Stair project.
2. How did integrating web-based technologies help you think about and evaluate uses of technology? I teach many classes at the alternative school. I do not have a lot of opportunity to use technology except my teacher's computer. I rely heavily on PowerPoints. I have edited every single PowerPoint that came with the book since this class started. I have integrated more videos and simulations into them. My students think I should work for the book companies.
3. How have you met your own personal goals for learning about technology integration? I have to say no. This class has made me want to learn more. I only wish I had more time to investigate and use more. If the goal is continue learning, I am ready to go.
4. Do you have any new goals? What are your plans for reaching your new goals and your long-term goals after this course is over? Since my school has limited money for lab materials including licencing fees to put virtual labs on school computers, I would like to develop labs that can embed virtual labs into them through a blog or Weebly page. I would like to do this so it would be a self-paced lesson.

Online Learning Experience

    1.  What content could this help you teach?
My biology classes have a lot of diagrams where they have to identify structures and list their functions. Sometimes with the book and paper, it is hard to tie it all together. I can see online PowerPoints would allow them to jump back and forth to make it come all together. Actually, I could use this in most science courses. Online simulations are great but my students need still diagrams to grasp a clearer understanding before they can truly comprehend it.

    2.  What type of pedagaogical strategies might you use with your students?
My students, usually coming from a troubled background, learn better with collaboration. They work well in pairs or small groups. I could see a lot of online research and investigation. I could definitely use scaffolding so they do not get overwhelmed by all the science material. Science is easier for my students to learn in little chunks to build on. Teacher-led and blended instruction would work best. WebQuests, blogs and Wikis would also involve teacher involvement. I am looking forward to using some of these. The biggest problem is many students do not have computers and/or internet in their homes.

    3.  What technologies do you think would harder to use your students? Why?
Self-Paced online learning would be quite difficult. They are not mature enough with their own capabilities to be self motivated. There are some students who are 19 years old that are able to handle a Plato-based course. However, they still come to the instructor for supplemental instruction. The Self-Pace method was proposed in a neighboring school district. A students investigated and said they had no one to keep on top of them.