I used to think that meaningful learning had technology as an addition the lesson material, thus making it a non-integral part of the learning process. Essentially, my idea of educational technology was, was incorrect. I used to think that technology only correlated with electronics.

Module 1: Learning with Technology

But now I think that technology can make learning more meaningful as it is the usage of developed, hands-on material. This allows the student to attach more relevance to the information being learned through actively engaging their learning through integrated technology.

Specifically in the classroom, this can be achieved by shifting the focus from standardized testing, to engaging that focus on building on previous information.

Module 2: Productivity Tools

Before this module, had you asked me the difference between learning and performance objectives, I would only have a general idea of what they were. Of course, I thought of Google Suites as a handy office suite in which collaboration was simple. 

Now, I know exactly how learning and performance objectives differ. I personally find performance objectives more appealing, as they require the student to have a certain skill set to achieve the objective.

I believe that it would be much better, in an English as a second language classroom to use performance objectives in practicing conversation and interactions, while learning objectives can be used to mark the vocabulary and grammar structure that must be covered.

Module 3: Digital Organization

I used only really apply organization to physical objects. I thought that if it was digital, and I opened it in a tab, it would be there and easy to find. Needless to say, I’m one of those people with 30 tabs open for over a week. I also never saw Pinterest as an organizational tool for websites and used it only for images.

Honestly, I actually realized that I really like using Pinterest as a organizational tool for websites. It’s super easy to categorize things, find new pins, and upload your own! Overall, I learned that a lot of online tools can be used organizationally.

Not only that, but digital organization can be used as a progress tracker, as we used Google Sites in our class. I believe this would create a great study guide for students in an ESL class on the information covered.

Module 4: Digital Citizenship, Online Safety, and Cyberbullying

Even before, I knew online safety and cyberbullying could pose a problem. However, I never really considered the root of the problem, as this module allowed me too. I also didn’t know of the obvious signs of phishing sites, which I never really thought of as important, and no one ever taught me.

I learned that there’s an importance in emphasizing empathy to combat cyberbullying, as well as going over the signs of fraud on the internet and identifying safe sites. It gives one more of a sense of security, knowing these giveaways and the risks that come with ignoring them.

These are both subjects that lack coverage. If i were a teacher, and my class had aspects that utilize technology, I would definitely outline risks and tips to stay safe.

Module 5: Tool Time

Prior to this class I would have never considered using a digital storybook. Perhaps for a lesson plan I may have thought of reading children’s book for an activity. Infographics and concept maps were doable however.

However, the digital storybook is probably one of my favorite discoveries from this course. All the features align as a very useful language learning tool. It made me realize just how customizable technology could make different applications.

The digital storybook definitely something I plan to use for reading assignments as a future ESL teacher, especially with the 'Add Voice' feature to assist the students in reading if necessary.

Module 6: EdTech Reviews

I used to think that most EdTech tools were to assist students in studying or test-taking. I thought of them as a variation of different activities, but not particularly essential to the learning process.

Now I know that there are EdTech tools that assist teachers as well, and by using them, one can very much ease the difficulty of giving students feedback, as well as create personalized content for the students to use. EdTech tools also give more variety to studying, allowing students to attach relevance to the material in a different format and draw parallels.

I particularly like the application Kaizena. It allows you to view a student's work on Google Docs, leave a voice not, attach a video, or insert a lesson. It would be a great check-and-review tool, especial for ESL with the voice notes!

Module 7: Audio and Video Production

I definitely was prejudiced in thinking that creating video and audio content would be difficult. I also thought that it would take a lot of planning and effort in order to produce good material.

Now, I believe they can be used to increase interactive activities and prevent lessons from being monotonous. By using the self created videos and podcasts, I believe that by seeing/hearing someone they know in the assigned media, students will become more engaged.