Angela Zaugg

The first step is to identify what areas of education/instruction need to be improved.  Student surveys are often the best place to get this information.  Then, you should research availalbe technology from reputable sites like EDUCAUSE and the USDE's Office of Educational Technology.  I think the most difficult part of implementation, once the needed technology is chosen/determined, is developing a plan that determines all stakeholders and clearly indicates the benefits to all stakeholders, especially the students.  Providing the right amount and type of training on how to use the technology to both staff and students, is vital for buy-in and… >>>

It is important to accommodate for students learning preferences, as well as learning challenges.  Offering a variety of instructional strategies can improve access to learning and learning comprehension in both cases.  It is nice to know, though, that when a student has learning challenges, I can hopefully help them access necessary accomodations through student disability services, if they disclose this information to me.  

This module highlighted the need to allow multiple language learners to access their mother tongue as it actually helps the student when learning new languages.  It helped me to recognize the need to be mindful of this and promote whatever strategies are effective for each student in the learning process.

This module emphasized theneed for intercultural communication vs crosscultural communication, which again, relies on getting to know our students individually and respecting their differences and analyzing and adapting our teaching and communication methods to ensure that they are as inclusive as possible.

This module emphasized the need to get to know our students on an individual level and to not make assumptions about their learning preferences or needs based on superficial characteristics and perceived identities.  By providing diverse ways of instruction geared toward individual students, we can effectively teach more students and the students can learn from one another, also, because diversity in race, gender, culture, etc. can also lend itself to diversity of thought. 

This module reinforced the need to provide active, experiential learning opportunities in our instruction.  The Chinese proverb clearly demonstrates this - we learn by doing.  It reinforces the need to be a guide or facilitator of learning versus simply lecturing on a topic.  Many great active learning techniques were provided inlcuding the use of small-group discussion, class presentations, group projects, and service learning opportunities.  This module also emphasized the need to teach the younger generations critical thinking skills.  Although they are mass consumers of information, they may not be as skilled at dissecting the information, developing an informed position based… >>>

There are so many available tech tools that can simplify and enhance instruction.  Although there can be a learning curve, with consistent effort, the use of technology in the classroom can become seemless.  The important question to ask is whether we, as instructors, are using technology for technology's sake or actually applying technology in the classroom to advance knowledge, access, and student engagement.

This module highlighted the need to make technology relevant and useful.  It can be a help or a hindrance if not used in purposeful, meaningful ways.  Even though earlier generations may not be as comfortable with using technlogy at first, they can realize its usefulness if it can be demonstrated to make life easier or convenient in meaningful ways.  Because the younger generations have always interacted with technology, they don't need to be shown how to use it, but do still need to be shown how it is relevant to their lives.  In short, we are all now surrounded by… >>>

It seems that the biggest change between generations from the Silent Generation to Generations X, Y, and Z, is the use of technology.  Even being a part of Generation X and growing up through all of the rapid advances in technology, I am not anywhere near as comfortable with technology as my children are.  I also note the significant differences in how the different generations socialize.  Up through Generation X, we preferred socializing in person and social gatherings.  The newer generations are always connected, but virtually.  I think it is helpful to be aware of the general characteristics of each… >>>

I appreciated the tips about how to help others during a crisis.  I think most people feel unequipped to help others experiencing a crisis, so it was nice to learn that just remaining calm, letting the person know that you desire to support them, and providing a listening ear, can make a difference in diffusing the situation.