educationaltechnology

** EDTC 5103 Advanced Computer Applications in the Classroom **
**Spring 2010** Reflection: I really enjoyed the article about the Technology Learning Cycle. One of the most frustrating things with technology applications in the classroom is not having the time to get through the entire cycle. There is plenty of opportunity for Phase 1 - Awareness. Even Phases 2 and 3 are fairly well used. It is the last two phases that too often fall short. As teachers, we are usually aware of many technology tools and applications we would like to use. Many times, we are even given Professional Development workshops for Phases 1-3. But finding the time to actually make it through the Application and Sharing and Reflection phases can seem impossible. When I have had the opportunity to get through the entire cycle, it has made a tremendous difference in my ability to learn and use the technology.
 * Module 1: Introduction**

When our school began purchasing Promethean boards, I was fortunate to be in the first group of teachers to receive one. I was so excited! When we first began discussing them, I did not even know what an interactive whiteboard was. So:

Phase 1: Awareness -- My awareness of IWBs grew by reading online, talking with other teachers and parents also learning about them, and attending demonstrations given by the companies trying to sell to us.

Phase 2: Exploration and Filtration -- After the boards and projectors were finally purchased and installed, I spent many hours exploring and "playing" with the board. At first, it was really just a better overhead projector. But further exploration led me to other uses, which led me to the next phase.

Phase 3: Learning -- For me, I needed to understand the technical part of the technology before I could move to the pedagogical learning. So while using the Promethean as an amazing overhead projector, I gained a lot of knowledge in the technical aspects of the board. Then I began looking at how I could use this technology to extend the learning of my students. Keeping them engaged was definitely a benefit of the IWB, even as just an overhead projector. Fortunately, there was a lot of help offered through training from the company and through Promethean Planet, their website. The website has hundreds of flipcharts ready to go or to download and edit to fit your needs. I utilized all the training opportunities I could find and began getting ready for the next phase.

Phase 4: Personal and Professional Application -- This is where I began using the flipcharts available from Promethean. I would spend hours searching and saving possibilities. Soon I began making my own flipcharts for my lessons - which led straight to the final phase.

Phase 5: Sharing and Reflection -- I was sharing what I had learned with the other teachers in my building. I built many flipcharts for my grade level and shared them with my team. Later as other schools in our district began acquiring Promethean boards, I shared my flipcharts with teachers at the other schools and helped them learn how to begin using the boards in their classrooms.