Running head: REFLECTION PAPER 1

EDT 180 Final Reflection Paper

Donna F. Juares Lopez

Arizona State University

REFLECTION PAPER 2

EDT 180 Final Reflection Paper

The pattern I see is that I lack the knowledge needed to use the technologies to the fullest.

However, as I explored the technologies, I have learned more about how to use them. I find that

using the technologies to the fullest requires knowing how each button and feature reacts with

what one is trying to create. I also have found that I prefer to create an audio versus something

visual because I have trouble figuring out what to film. It stands out to me that I enjoy writing a

scrip for my projects. I also found that I lose energy in my projects as I finish them.

The challenges that present themselves when learning how to use the technologies to do the

assignments are related to learning how to use them and discovering what effects they can have

on a project. It takes a lot of time to go film, record, choose music, and edit a video. One also

must be mindful of the area in which they are filming. Video files also tend to be large and

difficult to download. On the ASU West campus, we have limited access to the Ignited Labs.

This poses a challenge because it is a place where students can explore and get one on one

experience with different types of technologies. I utilized the internet to research the different

technologies for my project. The challenge with the internet is that it is very broad and can be

full of false knowledge. I chose three technologies to implement in my classroom, and here are

their challenges. The PARO technology is not a technology that comes cheaply. It is a luxurious

piece of equipment, and it is not realistic to have it in a general classroom in this moment.

However, when the school system changes, and it starts to incorporate more tools for mental

health, it is a good piece of technology to have. It could help students who struggle with anxiety

or panic attacks if there is money to acquire it. Furthermore, the X-Box technology is not useful

for several types of sciences because it is intended for older students that are specifically

studying earth science. Because the kids are young, they can possibly make a big mess with the
REFLECTION PAPER 3

sand, but it depends on the teacher having control and being patient with her students. The

technology is available to download, but one must acquire the monitors and build the sandbox. It

would probably be something that several classrooms share, so there would be the time the

students get to spend with the technology would be limited. Lastly, having a computer classroom

takes up a lot of room and takes away from having simple desks with notebooks and pencils. It

would take away space from having things like bookshelves, diagrams, or other tools that help

make learning interactive. Although there are many schools that already have several computer

classrooms and access to laptops, it can will be expensive. Technology like computers cannot

always be reliable. If a classroom of computers stopped working, it would derail class, and it

might become expensive to maintain. It will also not help students come out of their shell. I

would help them contribute with class in a quieter way. In theory, the students will not develop

out of their comfort zones, and they would not know how to express their ideas. I would have to

sperate computer class time from discussion and social class time. This would teach them to

balance their lives in technology and their lives as human beings.

Before this class, I thought technology was difficult to understand and only to be used by

people whose profession is dedicated to learning about and creating technology. I found

technology to be intimidating and difficult to learn, but I have learned that it is interesting and

still difficult to learn. Now that this class is almost over, I found that it is fun to work with, and I

hope that I can do it justice as a teacher. It will be fun to create presentations for my students that

keeps them interested and engaged to what they are learning. I hope that I can somehow

incorporate podcasts in my classroom because I enjoy making them and writing out scripts. I still

find things like coding and having content to film difficult and complicated, but perhaps

someday I will gain a better understanding.

REFLECTION PAPER 4

I used to approach the assignments as merely assignment and not to express my

creativity. I used to be reluctant to do the projects, but I did them as any student would. I have

embraced the projects and the opportunity to make something that is fun and helps me discover

more about myself. My work used to be less expressive and more question answer. I began to

enjoy making the projects. My favorite project is the Expression Module Project. This is because

it combined the ideas from Exploration of Education. The combination of classes allowed me to

continue to discover my purpose in the education major. I have discovered that I want to live up

to be a good teacher for my students because it benefits them and me. I am proud of the podcasts

and slideshows that I have created for my projects.

I worked with Nallely Nava for many of my projects. I plan on adding more visuals to my

application as Nallely suggested. She commented that my slides were too simple. She has guided

me to make many decisions that I feel have improved many of my projects. have learned that it

sometimes takes a person reading your ideas for you to realize that they could be presented

better. I had to change my multimedia simply because I had more to say ad less to show. A visual

not have been as effective as an audio. I would add other opinions to my podcast. I would change

my introduction for the future because it needs to be more friendly and familiar. If the intro was

catchier and more fun, it would help the listener be more comfortable with me. I was also led to

consider scripting out the podcast. This is because I had trouble keeping the tone of the podcast

casual and friendly. Ivy Clements has also peer evaluated my projects, and she is very good at

catching technical mistakes. I have learned to be more careful of my breathing when it comes to

recording my podcasts, and I took her advice into consideration when I recorded my Expression

Module Project.
REFLECTION PAPER 5

I would go back to change the project where we were tasked to make an app that leads

the user to make a decision. My project was very simple and not as creative as it could have

been. I would go back and come up with a different idea that helps me create an application that

is more colorful.

My goal for next semester is to be more creative with my projects and have more fun

with creating them. I plan to do this by utilizing more color and effects in power points and using

the features I have learned about in class to make them more interactive.