Technology
‘I embrace technology and challenge myself to continue to develop my knowledge in this area. Educational technology can enhance and support student learning, the management of information (like grades), and allow you to deliver entire courses through online platforms! Technology must be used effectively, strategically, and purposefully. It is important to recognize student comfort with technology and commit to scaffolding their technology skills at a reasonable rate. I am comfortable teaching a fully online, technology based course (synchronous or asynchronous), hybrid, or completely in-person. Technology use is always a big component of my teaching, even when delivering a course completely in-person. DC Connect is an amazing, powerful platform and tool!’
Course Design & General Implementation
I utilize DC Connect to organize the entire course regardless of the course delivery format. This improves accessibility for students, and provides a consistent online framework that is based on key effective adult learning principles. Using DC Connect you are able to extend and support the students learning beyond our classroom hours and can offer multiple formats for receiving content (video, text, educational technology, etc.). I am very consistent, and organized in my course set up so students are able to navigate our course page easily. I love use of Announcements and also to promote the use of Discussion Boards for the students to ask questions and communicate.
Announcements for Connection & Communication
Educational Tech. & Student Learning
I love bringing technology into the classroom, as I find it allows for diverse methods of engagement and student connection. Kahoot! Mentimeter, Padlet, Video, Quizlets, Sway, Google Docs, are a few I enjoy using frequently.
Grading and Assessment
I am very comfortable with DC Connect and they use of the Grade Book, the Assignment, Quizzes, and Rubrics. I love the additional tools and options available to support academic integrity. The ability to interconnect items on DC Connect is amazing! I also love the ability for students to work in groups with their own discussion boards!
Technology allows us to be able to create meaningful and varied tasks for assessment. I have had students use formats like Sway, or Smore, to create online newsletters. I have used YouTube for videos assignment options. Digital Floor Planner software and also platforms like Pintrest (that are commonly used in the field of education). Many students love the opportunity to demonstrate their learning through technology, where other students do not!
Review of the section ‘Certification and Professional Development’ will highlight that I have completed many training modules on how to utilize technology in education.
I have completed extensive training on DC Connect through CTL, and self directed learning modules (including individual sessions with Brett).
I also have Information Security Awareness Training from Trent University, (and Durham School Board), that outlines the safety and security measures that we must take to protect the confidential data that we handle.