Course+Experience+Reflection

I will learn how to use two new Web 2.0 tools, and find ways to incorporate them into my science curriculum
 * __ Goal #1 __**

Utilizing the lesson plan blueprint and tech review assignments in this course, I was able to meet this goal. I learned how to use an online whiteboard program, Dabbleboard, and video making program, Animoto. Not only was I able to figure out how these programs work by completing tech reviews on each, I was also able to use the lesson plan blueprints to demonstrate ways in which I would use these programs to support my science curriculum.
 * Goal Reflection **

I will identify two websites that I can use in a webquest that I would like to create for my human brain and senses unit.
 * __ Goal #2 __**

As I completed my lesson plan blueprint “Connecting the Human Brain and Nervous System,” I was able to identify several quality, middle school-appropriate websites that I could use if I created a webquest. However, I am more pleased with two websites that my peers shared through tech review or discussion board than I am with my own findings! Two other valuable websites that I now use to better my teaching are the PhET website, and a website that details webquest design.
 * Goal Reflection **

I will identify one educational simulation that could be used in my science curriculum.
 * __ Goal #3 __**

Again, thanks to one of my peers in EDT889, I not only identified one educational simulation, but also I discovered multiple ones for various topics that I teach within chemistry and earth science. Also, during the EDT889 unit on educational games and simulations, I learned the characteristics that are necessary for quality simulations, as well as the difference between interactive websites and simulations.
 * Goal Reflection **

I truly enjoyed taking this course because of its structure and content. The weekly themes addressed major technology topics of interest, and the assignments were practical in that they required me to apply what I’d learned in relation to the weekly theme within my science classroom. Through this course experience, I designed 6 lessons that I have already used or intend to use before the end of the school year. After this course, I intend to continue within Concordia’s Educational Technology graduate program. One area that I would like to further explore is the use of webquests. In my science classroom, I am always trying to think of ways to incorporate inquiry-based learning into my curriculum, where students construct their own knowledge by asking questions and seeking answers to those questions. In my opinion, webquests are a format for teaching students the process of inquiry-based learning by before they are able to do it fully independently. Webquests demonstrate the type of thought-provoking questions that students should develop when presented with a problem, show appropriate resources to gather information, prompt them to make difficult decisions, and teach students different means to present their findings. The other topic that I would like to research more about is the use of experts in the classroom. The question that I get most often from my students is, “Why do I have to learn this?” By bringing in experts from various fields in science, students would be able to witness first hand how the science they are learning is used beyond the classroom walls.
 * __ Where To Next? __**