Brianna Markowitz

ISTC 301 Final

Before ISTC 301 I was unsure of the true role for technology in the
classroom. I have only experienced the use of technology by teachers. From
what I have seen in the class, student involvement with technology is
limited, and when it is given to students, the use is often abused. Through
this class I have learned about the Universal Design for Learning, and that it
is important to offer students various ways of learning the information. If
students are going to be using a computer to explain a topic, students that
are not good at typing might enjoy recording their voice. Because of this
class I now understand multiple ways of engaging students in the content
being taught.
In order to effectively use technology in the classroom, it is important
to know your content frontwards and backwards. Once the content is
mastered, the students will have an easier time manipulating the information
and accruing different recourses on the topic. I have also had a positive
experience connecting the use of technology in my classroom to Common
Core Standards. By doing this I am ensuring that my lessons are aligned and
that my students are using their technology to meet a specific objective.
Understanding UDL has made the greatest impact on my personal
philosophy of the use of technology in teaching and learning. The universal
design for learning has made the greatest impact because it is designed to

meet the needs of all students. Through studying UDL I am not able to teach
one lesson that addresses all of the different learning styles in 90 minutes.
UDL has also opened up my eyes to all of the fun ways that technology can
be educational. For example, I have gotten really into Kahoot games. The
students absolutely love them, and they serve the exact same purpose as an
exit slip except they are more fun and allow the students to use their phone
or device. All of the sudden a boring assessment on World War Two becomes
a steamy race to the finish line. I love seeing all of my students engaged and
excited in the content. I am thankful that I have found a content based
strategy that works for me and my students.
My knowledge of effective teaching practice has been positively
enhanced from this course as I am now able to better teach my students
through a variety of different technological tools. This course has provided
me with a plethora of different online tools to deliver content to my students.
I really enjoyed making the Glog and I believe that hat has many different
ways that it can be used to display content in the classroom. For example it
can be used as an online poster, presentation, direction sheet, or even a
guideline for student centered learning.
Not only have I learned about the different types of technology I can
use in my classroom, but I now feel more confident in my deliver of lessons
involving technology. I now know how to fully incorporate technology in my
classroom that will benefit the learning abilities and understanding of all

students. This class has made me a better teacher in the way that I am not
more flexible and can fully integrate technology into my classroom.