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Reflecting on EDU 776

Final thoughts

Technology in Education 


I have always believed that technology in education is so important. Many districts, including my own, actually rely on it and expect that teachers and students are using it for a variety of things. This course just enhanced my belief by showing me (and reminding me) of all the beneficial things that technology can do for us and our students in the classroom. This includes things like incorporating active learning techniques into my lessons, using accessibility tools with my students, and like most recently, using AI to enhance my classroom. 


I think this course made me think about how to be more purposeful with technology. A lot of times as teachers we use technology because it is something our district or school requires us to use. However, in this course, I was exposed to so many cool tools that will be beneficial to me and/or my students. Those are the types of technology resources we should be using in our classrooms. 


I do think I have become more open to using different technology in my learning space. Especially when learning more about AI. There are so many cool tools out there to use as the teachers and even some my students can utilize as well like with MagicSchool AI. I want to start using them immediately! 


Eye Opening


There were so many interesting topics that we covered this course. One that really stood out to me was learning about our digital footprint. This concept was not new to me as I have learned about it in other classes. However, using the many different websites to find information about myself was eye opening. I am still shocked that I was able to find my full address and phone number just on the internet for anyone to find. It makes me really, truly realize that anything you put on the internet is out there forever. Even if you didn’t put it there, it can be out there for others to find. It made me think about how as educators we need to do a better job of teaching our students this starting at an early age. I don’t think they understand that. My fourth graders have Snapchat, Tik Tok, and who knows what else. But they post and share things thatI am sure they won’t be happy with when they are older, look back and see. 


GIF Check In 


Source: democrats.org
At the beginning of this course, I used a gif that showed some excitement but nervousness. I used this gif in the beginning because this was the start of the last course for my Masters degree. I couldn’t believe my last class was finally here, but I was nervous for what was to come. I always feel this way at the start of a new class. Now that the class is over, I decided to use a new gif to show how I am feeling. I am so excited to be done with my final class! It is a huge relief lifted off my shoulders. This time of year has been extremely busy for me with wedding planning, purchasing a home, and personal matters. Therefore, I do feel relief that is over. I am also so excited to be earning my Masters degree and graduating this winter. Like I mentioned before, I am the first in my family to earn a Master's degree so everyone cannot wait to celebrate with me come December. It is such a big accomplishment. However, I am going to lie - I love school . Hence why I became a teacher. Therefore I will miss it. However a break before I even think about taking any more classes is much needed!


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