Final Blog Post: Reflection

As this course comes to an end, I reflect on how much I have learned through the integration of technology across the content areas. Teaching students with disabilities always requires me to differentiate my instruction and find several avenues for my students to show what they know. With the use of technology, they are able to use their creative sides and produce work they feel proud of. "While technology is not essential to creating authentic, learner-centered instruction, it offers a powerful resource for engaging students in authentic experiences, typically increasing both their motivation and their learning" (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 51).

Through the use of the GAME plan, I learned how important it is for my students to become self-directed learners. When they can create goals for themselves, monitor them throughout the learning process and evaluate their own learning, it helps them create more meaningful experiences with the content.  While technology is not the end all be all to learning, it enhances students' learning so that these meaningful experiences can occur. Students become creative thinkers where they are confident in their own ability, motivated to achieve the goals they have set for themselves, and are flexible to any changes that may need to occur throughout the process (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). Ultimately we want to create authentic learning environments that develop these critical and creative thinking skills while teaching the content standards and the GAME plan does exactly that. As I enter into the next school year, I plan on getting more involved with my goals and work on creating more of these meaningful experiences for my students with the use of technology.

Giving students alternatives to the traditional paper and pencil method of showing what they have learned is something I plan to do in the future with my lessons. I really think my students would benefit from the use of digital storytelling where they are given the option to incorporate pictures, music, narration and words to convey their message to more than just their classmates. I also like the idea of incorporating problem-based learning into some of my lessons because it will encourage students to work together and think outside the box on issues that are real to them. They are able to learn content deeply and can apply this learning to new situations. I want my students to be critical thinkers of all things, and the use of problem-based learning helps them achieve those goals.

Technology is a wonderful tool because it hits upon all the learning styles and all levels. If a student is completely turned off by the subject material, there is generally a reason. Technology provides the means for students to become engaged so that the content becomes more meaningful to them. By having students utilize technology, we are opening their eyes to a whole new set of skills that will be required of them once they leave us.


Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). [Executive Producer]. Promoting Self-Directed Learning with Technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.