End of Semester Reflection

I have learned an astounding amount about technology and its nearly limitless possibilities in education this semester. From SMARTboards (which I was admittedly a little bit scared to use at first) to Prezi to Wordle and Quadblogging, technology can indeed be used for good.
I also learned about the limits of technology or its healthy use. Students want more technology, and will always want to use it for fun, but it is the teacher's job to become familiar with various aspects of technology better than the students can. This allows the teacher to use technology to help students to grow and which can be used in their best interests and further education.
Lastly, I heard about the ethics behind technology. There is a lot of sticky gray area involved in technology (cyberbullying, etc) but teaching kids responsible use of technology can help to lessen the mistakes of unethical technology use.

• NET 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
• I feel that with technologies like Wordle and Prezi, I can better equip students to creatively express themselves. I should become more familiar with GarageBand and Mac technology to further benefit my students in this area. 
• NET 2: Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
• I feel that I am more capable in this regard, but I need some experience with technologies such as Quadblogging and SMART assessment to be the most effective I can. At least now I'm aware of these technologies. :)
• NET 3: Model Digital Age Work and Learning
• Showcasing a class blog I feel is a good example of this NET. Using the technology that I am now familiar with will equip me in this regard.
• NET 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
• Clearly delineating what plagiarism is in front of students and demonstrating that in my own presentations and lessons is (I feel) one of the best ways to show students what this is. Being serious about grading this sort of thing in presentations and having a category for it is another way to ensure that plagiarism is avoided at all costs.
• NET 5: Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
• Maintaining a blog to showcase my class' work is an excellent way to work this NET. 

Thank you, Monica! I've really learned a lot this semester! :)