Reflection

As a future educator, it is important to learn how to become the most effective teacher. In order to do that, one must adapt to the ever-changing society, presenting information to students in a relevant way. Thus, part of the education requirements for UAB’s Alternative Master’s Program is to complete a course on computer technology. Knowledge gained from this course is used to make units and activities more appealing, influential, and effective in the classroom. As a result, over the course of this semester, I learned how to use and incorporate technology in such a way that will ultimately help me in becoming a better educator.

Our main area of study in the computer technology course was how to make a unit plan that integrated technology. As a result, one of our first assignments was to create a unit introduction using Microsoft PowerPoint. There was a lot of knowledge that I gained from this assignment. For instance, I learned that the success of a PowerPoint depends on multiple aspects such as the font size, transition, color, and style. I also learned that a PowerPoint is a fresh way to introduce a unit to students. By creating a visual piece of instruction, students are not only able to hear the material but also see it, drawing them into the unit.

Another set of useful tools I learned how to create were student samples. The student samples consisted of a PowerPoint, newsletter, and webpage. For this assignment, we (the teacher) had to pretend to be the student, and create one of each project. From these set of assignments, I discovered that students can use technology in order to further their learning. For example, the PowerPoint, newsletter, and webpage all required for the student to research information about the unit’s material and organize it in a practical way. That being said, I enjoyed learning how to make the students samples because I believe that these tools not only enhance the learning of each student, but also provide a great way for students to have in class presentations.

In addition to a unit introduction and student samples, I also had to learn how to create student and teacher support using the computer. Student support is a instrument used to assist students with the unit, while teacher support is a tool used to assist the teacher with instruction. With the help of technology, each of these activities are made easy and can be a wide variety of materials such as a newsletter, timeline, graphic organizer, etc…. As a result, student and teacher support materials are something that would be easy to include in the classroom.

Finally, all of these things were used to help incorporate technology into our overall unit plan. As a result, I discovered that technology makes a difference between an average unit and a successful unit. By integrating technology into the classroom, the teacher is capturing the student at a different level. Furthermore, the students are learning how to present information in a relevant, organized manner. Therefore, this course has equipped me to become a more effective teacher.

Unit Plan

The unit plan was a challenging assignment. I have never written a unit before this class; however, this class has better prepared me for writing unit plans in the future. In addition, the requirements of incorporating technology into a unit really expanded my knowledge about how effective technology can be in the classroom.

Student Support/Teacher Support

I really enjoyed creating the student support and teacher support. I believe that the student support is a really beneficial tool for students to further learning. For instance, I created a graphic organizer for my students in order for them to brainstorm ideas. In addition, the teacher support is a great way to present instruction to a classroom through technology. Both of these assignments were made easy because of the computer.

Last Day of Class

This is our last day of class. I have really enjoyed all of the projects and things we have learned since the beginning of the semester. My favorite project was learning how to make a webpage - As I teacher, I think I will definitely use this tool. That being said, what I learned most from this course is the constant change of technology and the importance of learning how to use it!

Student Webpage

Today I am continuing to develop my student webpage. I am learning that so much about all the aspects that go into making a webpage. I believe this tool will be very beneficial for students because technology is so important in our culture today. That being said, I believe this assignment will enable students to take pride in their work.

Student Newsletter

The student newsletter was a very intriguing project. I have never made a newsletter before, so it was interesting and fun learning how to make one. That being said, I believe this assignment was very beneficial as a future teacher. Now if I want my students to make a newsletter for a project, which is very likely, I will be able to assist them in creating one.

Unit introduction

The unit introduction has been an interesting project that I believe will be very beneficial to me as a teacher for years to come. My unit discusses how art mirrors society by examining Pop Art. Through the use of the intel unit-template, I am learning how to write a proper unit-plan, and how to incorporate technology into the classroom. That being said, we had to present our unit introduction PowerPoints today in class. Through this process I was able to see first-hand how technology (such as PowerPoint) enhances a classroom, unit, and lesson.