Ed Tech Theory Reflections

Taking the MAT610.F16 Educational Technology has been very important toward mu teaching, specifically regarding educational theory and its application to technology. The coursework I participated in focuses on the big four of learning theories: behaviorism, cognitive theory, constructivism and constructionism. Now I am able to identify various learning theories that may be considered in designing and interacting with educational technology as well as understand how learning varies at different developmental stages and ages in order to recognize the learning framework underlying educational media and software. Being able to apply these theories to my pedagogy has offered me a well-rounded perspective toward approaching my teaching techniques and how I develop my lesson planning and class activities. The skills and reflection practiced in this graduate course also assist me with how I integrate technology into my curriculum. Through tech integration measurement techniques, I can now recognize when my activities are not surpassing the substitution phase and need to reach more modification or redefinition levels. The theory learned in this course gave me a foundation which I could build my approach toward using ed tech theory in the classroom. Moreover, the theories studied in this course shaped my perspectives and beliefs toward learning theory and how those beliefs influence my teaching and my students' learning. For example, the ed tech course has empowered my social justice pedagogy by allowing me new ways to reach students. It has offered me more diverse ways of reaching students and making my teaching accessible to all. The ed tech course is also going to be a huge drive behind my capstone project, allowing me to identify and integrate different learning theories through different technologies which will help me to create relevance for my students and engagement. I also acquired the ability to select and implement appropriate assessment tools and strategies. Another big take-away is to be aware of my pedagogical beliefs and to not let my views hijack students' education. What's more, by applying elements of each of these learning theories, I am able to successfully reach a diverse and ever-changing student population by utilizing technology and its diversity to appeal to each student's unique and individual learning modalities.