Angela Zaugg

This module emphasized that the technology tool should support, not hinder, the teaching and learning process. Instructors should assess each technology tool and obtain feedback from students as to whether to continue to use it or to investigate another technology tool to better serve the instructor and students. I think Stop, Start, Continue is a great way to illicit feedback from students about technology and other instruction delivery methods.  Blackboard has been a great technology resource, as it has many of the tools mentioned built into the platform, like wikis, discussion boards, blogs, and digital portfolios.

Service learning can be mutally beneficial to both the student and community and improves a students ability to problem-solve real life situations and use their critical thinking skills.  It is a great way for students to develop their soft skills and professional behavior as well as set them apart when they are seeking career opportunities after their formal training.

I think it is important to have weekly contact with both the site and the student so that changes can be made if needed to ensure maximal learning takes place.  I really appreciated the information on the reflective essay and plan to tie those questions into one of the final formative assessment assisgnments the students complete during their service learning opportunities.

It is important to choose sites that will help the students meet their learning goals, as Kara mentioned above, the service learning opportunities need to tie into and enhance what the students learn in class.  It is their opportunity to apply that knowledge to real-life situations and see how that knowledge can make a positive difference in their community.  I also appreciated the advice to allow the students to be involved in deciding where they would like to serve.  This will improve student buy-in and the likelihood that they will find the experience meaningful and valuable.

I really appreciated the list of benefits of service learning programs.  It can help me explain to both the students and community partners the value of developing service learning projects to both groups.  Our service learnign projects provide the students with a weekly assignment that allows them to complete a needs assessment and develop appropriate programming for the population they serve throughout the course of the semester.

The list of resources for games, quizzes, educational videos, podcasts, and eBooks is a helpful starting point.  I always appreciate reviewing fair use laws so as to avoid any copyright issues when using materials in class.  I also appreciated the information regarding professional teaching realted organizations.  There is a wealth of information and resources that can be accessed to improve instruction. 

My own children seemlessly use Google Classroom applications including google drive, google slides, google docs, etc to access and submit class materials since Covid.  Our college uses Balckboard as the LMS.  I hope to be able to better incorporate use of Powerpoint, Prezi, Canva, and other available technology to enhance learner engagement in and out of the classroom setting.

I think setting the tone for use of technology from the beginning is important.  Instead of the technology device (like their smartphones) being a distraction, the instructor needs to know how to incorporate its functions into learnging activities in the classroom.  Ultimately, as instructors, we need to know our audience - especially with adult learners.  Why our the students their and what do they hope to gain from the learning experience?  If learning objectives are clear and lesson plans are designed to actively engage students, learning will occur, even if technology fails, because the instructor can substitute similar but less… >>>

This module provided a good review of teaching to the various learning styles (VARK) and provided considerations to consider when teaching adult learners.  I find that using the LMS system can actually save a lot of time in regards to grading quizzes/tests and provides an accessible forum for discussion, too.  

Our school uses the Blackboard LMS and it has a lot of built-in functions.  I'm glad we have experts at our school who can provide me with the instruction needed to learn how to use the tools available so I don't have to spend time trying to figure it all out myself.  The information in this module about Section 508 of the ADA is a good reminder about the importance of making all technology used in instruction accessible to all students.