Reflection of Project I:

Technology as an organization tool: In examining the ways I have incorporated technology into my classroom, I realized I spent most of my time organizing my teaching materials using the Power Point presentations this semester. Although PowerPoint-style presentations might not be the best interactive methods for teaching, the benefits outweighed the more traditional methods of teaching. I am very comfortable creating elegant looking professional documents. When people see a nice presentation, it gives off a very scholarly professionalism.

I was so excited to figure out the Power Point program can be used to create children’s developmental portfolios. The students produced high quality developmental portfolios while using this tool. The electronic developmental portfolios can easily be shared with the parents in the classroom. Also each child’s developmental portfolio can be archived and shared with future students. It makes perfect sense that technology integration activities must be connected to course content and assignments.

Organization and representation of ideas in a different medium: Within our early childhood teacher education program, the student teachers use an emergent curriculum that incorporates long-term projects based on the interest of the children. One of the technological media the children and the student teachers found particularly valuable for representing the children’s final conceptions was Kid Pix. Another software tool that can enhance children’s representation and organization in project work is the Kidpiration/Inspiration program. I’ve noticed that this software is a valuable tool to web and to visually represent children’s thoughts and ideas in pictures as well as print. This web can be shared with a whole group for the instruction and expansion of ideas regarding the project topic. This web can also be used to incorporate parents’ involvement in curriculum development. I am very happy with how I incorporate software to enhance this development.

Communication of ideas among members of specific learning community: Technology played a valuable role in the communication of ideas with parents and student teachers. The student teachers posted documentation panels in the classroom that demonstrate children’s learning. The student teachers also created learning webs and concept maps for display on the bulletin board. These types of communication request parental input and classroom participation in curriculum development.

Reflection of Project II:

Professional development opportunities: Becoming computer proficient takes considerable amounts of planning and time. I began learning about how to integrate technology meaningfully into my instruction. Our early childhood program is continually growing in the knowledge and application of technology. Several forms of technology (e.g. computer, computer software, digital camera, video camera, digital video camera, video capture card, scanner, and the Internet) were used in the documentation process to enhance reflective thinking and to enhance creativity in student teachers.

I presented on the topic of the effective use of technology in teacher education at two teacher educators conferences this year. One presentation was about technology as a tool for knowledge construction in Reggio Emilia inspired teacher education programs. The other presentation was about using Instant Video Revisitng as a learning tool. Both presentations focused on the effective use of technology, which enhances the student teachers’ success at understanding young children’s learning and inconsequently, leads to becoming a more reflective teacher. Presenting at those two conferences made me feel that I am on the right track in the application of technology and has motivated me to stay updated with cutting-edge technology. For professional development it is important for me to conduct research and then write up my findings to submit for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. If it weren’t for the Mitten project, I wouldn’t have realized the effect of technology in student learning.

Reflection of Project III.

Many colleges are starting to deliver on-line courses via the World Wide Web. The Mitten project made me look deeper at online courses. If the course cannot be developed completely online, I still have many ways to incorporate technology to manage student-learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment VLT program. I am very happy to know that the VLT program is available for use as it is a very valuable tool.

From the Mitten project I also learned that web pages and even entire web sites can be developed for and dedicated to any given topic. I am experimenting in creating a website for documentation panels. The process of archiving documentation panels is not an easy task because it involves scanning each individual picture and retyping children’s words and teachers comments on each panel. This website will provide child development data for future students, parents and other professionals. I will continue this project throughout next semester until I finish it. So far I am very impressed about all the possibilities technology offers to engage students in meaningful learning. I am open to any ideas in which technology can benefit my teaching and enhance the education of my students. Looking back, I feel that the Mitten project increased my proficiency in technology applications and instructional methods.

Communication of ideas among members of specific learning community: Technology played a valuable role in the communication of ideas with parents and student teachers. The student teachers posted documentation panels that demonstrate children’s learning. The student teachers also created learning webs and concept maps for display on the bulletin board. These types of communication request parents’ input and classroom participation in curriculum development.

Reflection of Project II:

Professional development opportunities: Becoming computer proficient takes considerable planning and time. I began to learning about how to integrate technology meaningfully into my instruction. Our early childhood program is continually growing in the knowledge and application of technology. Several forms of technology (e.g. computer, computer software, digital camera, video camera, digital video camera, video capture card, scanner, and the Internet) were used in the documentation process to enhance reflective thinking and creativity in student teachers.

I presented concerning the effective use of technology in teacher education at two teacher educators conferences this year. One presentation was about Technology as a tool for knowledge construction in Reggio Emilia inspired teacher education programs. The other presentation was about Instant Video Revisitng as leaning tools. Both presentations focused on the effective use of technology enhances the student teachers’ success at understanding young children’s learning and inconsequently becoming a more reflective teacher. Presenting at those two conferences made me feel that I am in a right track in the application of technology and motivated me to keep up with new forms of technology.

Reflection of Project III.

Many colleages are starting to deliver on-line courses via the World Wide Web.