Throughout this course, I have had the opportunity to
implement a couple new technology activities in my classroom. The most
successful activity was having students to create a tutorial video using a
HoverCam to record images and audio. Students enjoyed creating these short
videos and sharing them with their peers. Other activities included students learning
to use social networks as an extension of the classroom, as well as students
learning to use visual presentations to communicate a story properly to their
peers. All of these technologies
engaged the students and helped promote a better understanding of English skills.
Moreover, I became more comfortable with them as an instructor.
The immediate impact on my classroom has been a positive
interest from my students. They have started to want to expand on projects now,
and they are always wondering what the next big assignment will be. Although
students enjoy working with the technology, they really enjoy doing something
different. Several students, who at the beginning of the semester were not
excited about the prospect of filming this year, are asking if they can create
screenplays that can be double the amount of time required. This genuine
interest from the students has motivated me to push my own comfort level to try
new activities and ways to use technology.
Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Program number
10: Spotlight on Technology: Social Networking and Online Collaboration: Part I
[DVD]. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.
