Some of the best teaching strategies I’ve learned about in this class are from discussions that my fellow classmates have shared, and the YouTube videos with Instructors and their use of technology. I’ve always believed that it is important to engage the learner by being creative with content, and have viewed several thought-provoking ideas in this area.
Integrating the Internet as a technology source provided me with new social media and online applications that I will use from this point going forward. I didn’t realize there were so many free applications that mirror commercially available software (especially in the Windows Office area) where multiple instructors and/or students can collaborate on projects from anywhere there is an internet connection. I really enjoy working with the Google applications (Docs, Reader, Calendar).
The assignment that I felt exemplifies good teaching technology was my group’s SIG project on using the iPad2 for students with impairments that affected their ability to learn. We had to collectively analyze the technology, determine our focus/emphasis areas and then research so that we could produce a presentation. I felt this approach is one that could be repeated across the country as teachers from the same school or subject area work collaboratively to create more interactive instructional technology strategies and approaches for their students. I enjoy learning new technology, and it was enjoyable to learn Wiki Site creation.
A couple of my personal goals have been met already; I’ve worked with our Communications team to revise our technical support website (site navigation and information has been rearranged so that it is easier for visitors to find the information that is relevant to their job. I’ve approached my manager on adding technical training classes to my personal goals, and have been told to evaluate classes and provide dates and costs. We are also looking at possibly creating and managing a blog or Wiki feature for the technical teams that support our software end users; content will include tips, hints, best practices and answer common questions and issues. I’ve also started searching through MSU’s Lynda link, for online training that I can complete as I have time.
There are two new goals for me to pursue after this class has ended. First is to explore and work with additional online applications that were covered in class, but that I did not personally use yet. Prezi is at the top of this list, and I want to spend some additional time with using Wiki widgets. I also want to create my own online social bookmarks for my job, most likely using Delicious again. I found a couple of virtual “computers” during my review on Cloud Computing, and I would like to monitor and follow advancements in this area, for both work and personal use. As I mentioned in my Personal Technology Plan, I also want to develop and expand on my Personal Learning Network, starting with a couple of MSU employees from my SIG project.
