EDLD+5364

**SELF ASSESSMENT**
As I reflect on the “good ole days” as students would sit and listen to a teacher lecture on a particular subject matter. We would listen intensely, jotting down notes feverishly, all in hopes that we were capturing the right information from the lecture to help us pass whatever pop quiz or test was coming up. Our day-to-day scholastic success was dependent on it. Now we have technology. A new invention that is being introduced into the classrooms all in hopes that there are instructors in place that will able to comprehend the new procedures and lead the students toward the information they are to be concentrating on.

This class was instrumental in bringing the subject of “Teaching with Technology” into full view for one that was simply assimilated into the process. In our first assignment, we experienced the art of collaborating in groups to create a lesson plan that would assist 3rd grade teachers, as well as the students in learning about particular subjects being taught on their academic level with the assistance of current technology tools. It was my first experience in using Google tools, as well as learning how to collaborate as a team using them. I found the process very enlightening and sometimes entertaining as we found that the entire group lived in the same state, but at all opposite ends of the great state of Texas.

In using the UDL’s e-book builder and not being a trained teacher as a profession, I found the process interesting, challenging, and very time consuming. Although I have extensive training in computer programs and photography, I found trying to build a lesson plan for a group of 3rd graders a challenging process. In consideration that I have no experience in the public school area, I found the process very frustrating in knowing how exactly to set up a lesson plan, where to find research information, and what vocabulary would work best for the 3rd grade level. I see that the e-book builder utilized by both teachers and students, is a great technology tool that can prove to be a great asset to any teacher’s or student’s teaching portfolio. In the learning experiences I have received in this program, I have developed a deep respect for the teachers/instructors who put forth their time & effort in providing the instructional materials to teach students searching for greater knowledge.

**LEARN AS A LEARNER**
A particular quote in our readings for this particular class stated,"The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students' understanding of the relationships between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning."

It is vitally important in today's classrooms, regardless of grade level, that a teacher recognizes that student's efforts in subjects that they are studying. In "Reinforcing Effort, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works," the authors review the use of spreadsheet software formulated to reflect the entire classroom of students and their progress, assisting the teacher, as well as the students. The authors comment that "Technology makes it easier for students and teachers to track the effects of effort and facilitates more immediate feedback." Technology of this nature will be most beneficial to the students as they need to be encouraged to participate and to strive for success in their studies, but they also need to be able to recognize those efforts and see that they are succeeding in accomplishing a goal.

**LIFELONG LEARNING SKILLS**
My mom had the philosophy in my upbringing, recognizing that some subjects were more of a challenge for myself than others, that sometimes a "C" was in fact, my best effort. I always felt if I could bring home a "C" in those subjects, that I could be just as proud as if I had made an "A." And "Research shows that when students are allowed to set some of their own learning goals, their notation is higher than when they pursue only teacher-set goals” (Hom & Murphy, 1983)(3). Today's students are under so much pressure to make the highest marks, so they can win the scholarships and recognitions from the well-known universities and colleges, but doesn't that type of pressure hinder their learning process? I feel if a student can learn and grow in their knowledge in a positive & encouraging atmosphere, they will be so much better adapted adults for the real world.

With all of the studies and philosophies of current technology authors and leaders, it all comes down to the basic idea: Giving our students the best tools they need to be the best they can be in their technology futures. I believe with the learning-by-technology-tidal-wave that has consumed us, today's students have the opportunity and interest in learning this new technology and are working more collaboratively with their classmates and the teachers -- as they are ALL on the learning bandwagon together!

**References// missing reference info //**
"Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works,"Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.(2007), Alexandria, VA:Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, p 155.

"Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works,"Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.(2007), Alexandria, VA:Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, p 156.

"Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works,"Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.(2007), Alexandria, VA:Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, p 18.