Technology Integration
As an instructional designer and teacher, it is essential to know the different technology tools that can be integrated into instruction. Some of the tools are shown in this portfolio in how I have used them in the past. Using these tools can help increase engagement in learners and build on their knowledge.
Personal Learning Network
Using Social Media to Network
Twitter is a good source for chats and networking with people on various educational topics. I follow the UDL chat and an EdTech chat to keep updated on new information in the fields. It is nice being able to follow people and receive updates through the app instead of having to search extensively for new information. LinkedIn has become a more favorable site for networking because it has a lot of valuable tools for people looking to get hired. I connect with people I currently know and can see who has connections with jobs, or companies, I may want. I can also apply for jobs there and connect with employers through a social media site. There are groups on the site made for networking that support growth and have conferences, or chats, to help people looking to get into new fields. These are things that I am already doing so I am comfortable with using social media to build my personal learning network. I do worry about the data and information that may be shared through social media sites or sold by them but that is a different issue. Overall, there is some great information that can be learned through social media but people have to be smart and cautious with the information they give.
Authentic Learning Experiences
What I’ve Done
Padlet
A Real Success
I have not used Padlet before in my classroom, but I have used it in training. After reading the article about the twenty different ways to use it, I think this would be a good resource. I liked using Padlet as a way for students to introduce themselves to the class in an icebreaker, or the teacher can post videos with a sub-plan the students have access to. I haven't looked into the technical aspects of Padlet, but I would need to see if there are ways to lock it so others can't delete posts, monitor for inappropriate posts, and see if people can also post anonymously. Students might not want their names posted for a feedback post on changes needed in the classroom. I think having Padlet is good as a place to publish authentic learning because students can post links to their assignments, comment on each other, and provide feedback which is important for developing learners. I would be interested to see real examples of how other teachers have used this in the classroom because the list in the article seemed to have a lot of ideas beyond simple posting such as image tagging and interactive storytelling.
Podcasts
The podcast I listened to is about virtual learning from the student's perspective. I created a podcast as a review of it. One of the things I forgot to mention in my podcast was that while virtual learning can be isolating the students had many extracurricular activities that didn't make them feel like they missed out on socialization. I think this is important when we talk about educating the whole child and not just academics. I included the link to the podcast on Vocaroo.
Flipgrid
Perfect Execution
Flipgrid is a good tool for adding technology to instruction because it allows students to embed their personalities in their responses and show what they know. For students who have trouble writing their thoughts, this works as a good alternative that can be kept short. Learners can rerecord as often as they need to, making it better for them.
Digital Citizenship
As a teacher, digital citizenship is important for teachers to understand especially when designing instruction for learners. It is important to understand copyright and fair use because many technology tools use media that may not be allowed. There are resources that teachers and designers can utilize to help teach 21st-century skills to learners. It can be difficult for learners to understand academic integrity because the internet makes it seem that everything is available to use. This is the value of teaching digital citizenship to learners so they understand the consequences and rights of using multimedia online. Many websites have good information but it is up to the teachers and designers to create instruction that will give learners the skills they need to find facts versus fiction.
Personalized Learning
Flippity
The goals that I have for my professional life means I need learning and skills that will get me there. The best way to attain that is through personalized learning because I can create portfolios that are unique and showcase myself. I am more invested in my learning when it is personalized and appeals to what I want to know and how I can show it. By completing the activities in the course, I understand how to design instruction that is more flexible and gives the learners more control in their learning. Integrating technology can be difficult for some learners because one skill is knowing how the technology works and the other skill is using it to show what the learner knows about the topic. I want to add more personalized learning by having the learners create more products or portfolios that have real-life applications. If a learner can use it, he or she is more likely to retain the skills and knowledge.