Final Reflection-EDUC 6711

Looking back on the first assignment of this course, in which we described what our personal theory of learning was, I feel that my personal learning theory hasn't really changed. I feel that now I am able to give it a better name. I am also able to describe it better and have more skills to incorporate it into my lessons.

The theory that I related to the most was social constructionism. I feel that having conversations about what is being learned and collaboration with peers and teacher is the most important aspect of learning. Being a high school art teacher, I do get to see this theory in action quite frequently. There are many projects that my students complete that require them to be active learners. They must talk to their peers to solve problems and make inquiries. They must work collaboratively to complete work. I see how effective it is in the students becoming involved in what they are creating and taking ownership of their learning and experiences.

One adjustment that I will make to my instructional practice is making better use of rubrics to set clearer expectations for my students. I am also incorporating some type of technology into all of my classes. I have created a lesson for Voicethread that my advanced art students will use in order to share portfolios and would like to create a blog for students to use and also have begun to create a website for our art department.

As far as long term goal changes that I would like to make regarding technology integration, I would say that my main goal is to obtain better technology that is specifically designed to create and promote art. I would like to have digital cameras for students to use and updated software for creating art on our computers. I hope to obtain a grant in order to fund these. Having these types of technologies will allow students to experience what is new and decide if it is something that they would be interested in pursuing further. The other goal that I would like to achieve is to eventually use technology in each and every class that I teach at least one time each nine weeks. I plan on starting out implementing Voicthreads next year beginning with my Advanced Art classes and also plan on creating an art department web site with the students. Next, I will take another course and have students utilize blogging as a technology tool to share their work with others around the world. Eventually, I plan to have all classes utilizing technology in some way, whether it be creating art with computers or creating presentations using technology.

Susan