EDUC 6711 reflection

Throughout this course, I have gained more information to support my earlier personal theory of learning. I do not wish to change any aspect of my theory, but I feel more confident in it since completing this course.

I have been integrating technology throughout the course. I have used webquests as well as added new features to my classroom website. My students now have forums to post questions to professionals in the field (my friends and relatives have agreed to answer these) which encourages a sense of curiosity in other areas of science as well as provides insight into real world applications. Also new on the website, parents have access to a calendar showing what we do in class each day. My sixth grade students still struggle remembering to write assignments in their agenda, or forget if they have homework. Parents email me constantly asking about assignments, so I have made a tool for the families to use to know what is occurring each day in my class. I have also used a digital camcorder to record presentations and have offered to provide the clip to the students' parents. By telling the students that they were to be recorded, I noticed a much higher effort level put forth on the projects.

I am always looking for new things to add to my class website (scmsearthscience.weebly.com). I would like to continue the calendar feature and perhaps expand the areas of science experts the students have access to question. There is a new movement for connecting professionals with educators, especially in the area of science. I have not taken advantage of this as of yet, but I intend to shortly.