Learning in a Digital Age - EDTC 5720
With the ever-changing landscape of technology, it is so important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in this field. I feel that this class helped to spotlight the need for innovation and continued learning. Through this course we discussed many topics that focus on the changes that technology encourages in the learning process, relationship building, and communication. Topics included the use of social media, the importance of problem-solving and critical thinking, and the power of creativity.
One of my favorite assignments was the challenge of an "elevator talk" on a technology topic that was relevant to our current or future career. Before this, I was not familiar with this type of presentation. I loved that its short length (1-2 minutes) really forces the presenter to be concise and clear when communicating the message of their presentation. I chose to focus my talk on the importance of and benefits from the inclusion of coding in the classroom for all students. This is a very timely article, as this is a trend that is growing in momentum and having the research to demonstrate its importance is very valuable in my current position. This course constantly reminded me that technology is merely a tool to be used to increase student learning and engagement. It is not the power of the tool itself, but what we choose to do with it that really matters.
Another assignment that made a powerful impact on my mindset about digital age learning, was the Hot Topic Presentation. We were challenged to choose a topic that was relevant to us and discuss how digital technologies had changed it. We were to evaluate if these changes were having a positive or negative effect on education. I chose to discuss the many opportunities for personalized learning that have been made available thanks to technology. When contemplating a high school experience, there are now so many options. Students, at least in my district, can take any combination of traditional, virtual, concurrent, and career tech classes to ensure that their needs are being met. Students are able to achieve more and are more invested in the learning process. It was eye opening to research!
Below you will find a link to the website containing information on the options that are available to high school students now, as well as my "elevator talk" on coding in the classroom.
One of my favorite assignments was the challenge of an "elevator talk" on a technology topic that was relevant to our current or future career. Before this, I was not familiar with this type of presentation. I loved that its short length (1-2 minutes) really forces the presenter to be concise and clear when communicating the message of their presentation. I chose to focus my talk on the importance of and benefits from the inclusion of coding in the classroom for all students. This is a very timely article, as this is a trend that is growing in momentum and having the research to demonstrate its importance is very valuable in my current position. This course constantly reminded me that technology is merely a tool to be used to increase student learning and engagement. It is not the power of the tool itself, but what we choose to do with it that really matters.
Another assignment that made a powerful impact on my mindset about digital age learning, was the Hot Topic Presentation. We were challenged to choose a topic that was relevant to us and discuss how digital technologies had changed it. We were to evaluate if these changes were having a positive or negative effect on education. I chose to discuss the many opportunities for personalized learning that have been made available thanks to technology. When contemplating a high school experience, there are now so many options. Students, at least in my district, can take any combination of traditional, virtual, concurrent, and career tech classes to ensure that their needs are being met. Students are able to achieve more and are more invested in the learning process. It was eye opening to research!
Below you will find a link to the website containing information on the options that are available to high school students now, as well as my "elevator talk" on coding in the classroom.