I came into this course with two ideas in my head. The first, I already know a heck of a lot about technology. The second, I can't wait to learn more. I am leaving this course with two thoughts in my head. The first, I have learned so much! The second, I will never have time to use it all.
There are so many wonderful technological possibilities out there and there is just not enough time in the school year. The problem with this is that my students need this information. Maybe they don't need to try every fancy thing I get excited about but they need enough exposure to get a excited about it as I am. Why do they need to get excited? Simple -
This excited will become curiosity. This curiosity will become the need to compare one tool to another. This comparison will turn into critical thinking. Critical thinking will become a thirst for more knowledge. This thirst will lead to intrinsic motivation.
If I could make this sequence happen by exposing my students to "cool" technology I will have succeeded in providing them with the one thing that has made me a life long lover of learning - the simple pleasure I receive from learning something new. It is that easy - teach them to recognize that their motivation should be intrinsic.
I know that after ten weeks of learning about new tools and thinking more deeply about how technology can enhance my teaching that I am even more determined to expose my students to the wonder that is technology.
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