This course, more than any other in this program so far, has really opened my eyes to the potential of using technology to help students reach higher levels of thinking. LoTi was briefly mentioned in another course, but in this class was truly explained. Taking the time to evaluate the LoTi levels of different lessons and projects was so helpfully to me as it helped me to see that it is not the amount of technology being used, but how the technology is being used to engage students in learning. Over the course of the semester, we looked at many different tools of all different levels of complexity. Through studying LoTi and the indicators of Engaged Learning, I was able to see how even the most basic software and productivity tools can be used to promote higher-level thinking skills.
My Engaged Learning Project just may be the most engaging lesson I have ever written in my twelve years as a teacher. This is mostly because I designed this project with a whole new way of thinking about technology use in relation to teaching content standards. Using the indicators of Engaged Learning as a guide and always keeping in mind the LoTi level I wanted to reach, I was able to create a lesson that I am very proud of and excited to implement with my students. As I was completing the field experience log for this project I couldn’t help notice how closely the indicators of Engaged Learning align with the ISTE Standards for Coaches. Both ask for lessons to be standards-based, learner-centered/student-directed, authentic, collaborative, and include different types of assessment. This course and the Engaged Learning Project helped me learn to incorporate all of those things into my lessons as well as how to evaluate and select the right tools to meet the needs of my students.
The one thing I wish we had more time to look at in depth is T-PACK. In addition to being able to assess LoTi level and indicators of Engaged Learning, I think as a technology coach it would be a good skill to be able to help teachers assess their knowledge of the content, pedagogy, and technology skills necessary to implement a lesson or project. T-PACK was addressed in some of the readings throughout the semester, but I wish time had allowed us to look at it a little more closely.
My Engaged Learning Project just may be the most engaging lesson I have ever written in my twelve years as a teacher. This is mostly because I designed this project with a whole new way of thinking about technology use in relation to teaching content standards. Using the indicators of Engaged Learning as a guide and always keeping in mind the LoTi level I wanted to reach, I was able to create a lesson that I am very proud of and excited to implement with my students. As I was completing the field experience log for this project I couldn’t help notice how closely the indicators of Engaged Learning align with the ISTE Standards for Coaches. Both ask for lessons to be standards-based, learner-centered/student-directed, authentic, collaborative, and include different types of assessment. This course and the Engaged Learning Project helped me learn to incorporate all of those things into my lessons as well as how to evaluate and select the right tools to meet the needs of my students.
The one thing I wish we had more time to look at in depth is T-PACK. In addition to being able to assess LoTi level and indicators of Engaged Learning, I think as a technology coach it would be a good skill to be able to help teachers assess their knowledge of the content, pedagogy, and technology skills necessary to implement a lesson or project. T-PACK was addressed in some of the readings throughout the semester, but I wish time had allowed us to look at it a little more closely.