This course has opened ideas for me as an educator. Although I am highly involved with my ed. tech people in my district, I found some of the things explored throughout the semester to be eye opening and inspiring for future lessons in my classroom, and for my future as a librarian.
Here are my top 5 moments from this semester:
Infographics
Infographics were very easy to make and very informative. I want to incorporate infographics into my choice lessons with my students to have them show me what they've learned from the texts that they read in my ELA classroom. I also think infographics are useful to a librarian because librarians wear several hats and often have to find ways to educate others on important facts. Infographics can make their job of educating others quick and easy.
Screencasts
With the way that education has moved to digital/distance learning due to Covid, screencasts are super helpful. Not only do they allow you to directly show students what they need to do online, but they also allow educators to share ideas. Screencasts are extremely beneficial to the classroom and the library. For example, a librarian can use a screencast to show students how to access the online catalog, conduct research using databases, or access school required websites.
QR Codes
Personally, QR codes are so quick and easy to use or create. Google extensions has a great QR generator for any website or google doc/slide/form that you create, and can be easily shared with students. I have QR codes posted around my classroom for students to use for different functions such as checking books out of my classroom library through a google form, to signing in and out for the restroom. QR codes can be used for breakout sessions, or in stations for students to quickly access different websites.
UDL
First, I thought that Universal Design Learning was just a fancy way to say 'differentiation'--which in a sense it is often interpreted that way--but now I see that it goes above and beyond and also brings in student production and problem solving. Differentiation only focuses on how you're giving them the information, UDL focuses on that too, but adds how students prove what they know.
Cartoons/Comics
Student knowledge production doesn't have to be simple question/answer tests or worksheets anymore. We now have the technology to encourage their creativity, opening up new opportunities to their understanding. Creating cartoons/comics shows they truly understand and can teach someone else what they know. I will absolutely be adding this to my UDL 'choices' in future.
Overall, this course was informative and eye opening, and well worth the time and effort. I had fun exploring all of these tech options in education, and now I have so many other blogs and social media accounts to explore moving forward in my career.
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