Education Technology also known as EdTech denotes an area of technology devoted to

the development of improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate

technological processes and resources. Educational technology has made a major influence in
many areas of teaching and learning. The course Educational Technology was a very fascinating
course which has helped to enlarge my knowledge on how to use the various technological
devices to help learning. As I reflect on the course, I must say that I have learned a lot. My
lecturer, Mrs. Williams Young, will always be remembered as an individual with a sense of
humour. She gave me the opportunity to use many new devices and tools on my own to explore.
We were also exposed to different materials highlighting the significance of integrating
technology in the classroom. After completing the course Educational Technology I have learnt
that education and training have taken on a full new meaning.
In unit one, I was introduced to the foundation of Educational Technology the
Educational Technology Standards (ISTE NETS Teachers & Students). The ISTE Standards for
Teachers are the standards for evaluating the skills and knowledge educators need to teach, work
and learn in an increasingly connected global and digital society. Also, I was introduced to a
discussion forum on Schoology where both my classmates and I had to post comments based on
the topic given to discuss and posted relevant information of my own. The first thing I posted
was a short statement on my Personal Philosophy of Educational Technology. This assignment
has helped me to express myself and say ways in which I can prepare to meet the challenges of
the dynamic, global society in which I will be a part of, contribute and achieve. Throughout the
course, a Discussion Forum took place where students posted appropriate information and other
students commented. The forum afforded me the opportunity comment on the philosophy of
others, which also gave me more ideas of how I could prepare myself as a teacher in training to

go out there in the classrooms and use technology to enhance learning within the classroom. This
forum was important and it was a medium in which teacher and students in a class could connect
with each other. Additionally, we were also given an essay to write about Prenskys view in
implementing new subjects in the curriculum. After reading this article it has urges me to think
out of the box. When I go out there in the classrooms I will try my very best incorporate these
subjects in my everyday lessons so as to allow students to think, act, relate and accomplish
effectively.
In unit two, I learnt about the Theoretical Framework of Educational Technology. I learnt
what the Behaviourism theorist, Skinner, the Cognitivism theorist, Piaget and the Constructivism
theorist, Vygotsky has to say about technology on education. We were told to create a Concept
Map based on our understanding of the relationship between theories and technology integration.
After doing this course I have realized the importance of Concept maps, it gives a clearer
understanding and creative ways to which we can connect or show the relationship to a specific
topic.
In unit three we introduced to Instructional Planning. I learnt about the ASSURE Model
and how to write an assure lesson plan in pairs. The ASSURE model is an ISD (Instructional
Systems Design) process that was altered to be used by teachers in the regular classroom. In the
lesson plan we use interactive power point. Power point is important as it make presentation
more interesting, it helps improve the audience's focus. We also used a video in the delivery of
our lesson. The video used was important as it get students energized and involved in the handson learning process. The video stimulates and engages students creating interest and maintaining
that interest for longer periods of time. I will definitely use videos to enhance learning when I go

out there in the classroom especially to the Early Childhood classroom where students attention
span are short, the videos will keep them involved .
In unit four and five we learnt about Designing Effective Computer-based Instructional
Support Tools, such as podcasts, wikispaces, webquests, interactive powerpoint, computer based
digital Storytelling and cell phones which can be used and are useful tools for integrating
technology in the classroom to enhance learning for the students. We discussed what a podcast
was and the benefits of podcasting, we also discussed Webquest. For me it was a hard task to do
but with the help of my classmates I was able to complete it. We also learnt about blogging in
this unit as well as Wiki Tools.
In unit six, we looked at Assessment with Technology. In this unit I have learned how one
can use technology in the assessment of students as an alternative of teachers being put under
much pressure from teaching all day, they can simply use a faster means of assessment.
In unit seven we discussed the Trends in Educational Technology. The modifications in
technology over the years have become fast, with traditional industries, video-rental chains, and
newspapers. With technology becoming so immensely extensive in society, teachers may have a
tendency to to shy away from applying it in their classroom and they are encouraged not to, but
this can be used as a means to facilitate exceptional learners.
Over all this course of Educational Technology has helped me to be an all rounded
person, I am now capable to practice technology more competently. With all the knowledge that I
have garnered i will endeavour to bring this in my classroom, so my students can also be aware
of the significance of using technology in whatever task they are given. I will spread to my
students in the future the knowledge I have garnered about Blog, Podcast, Webquest, Wikispaces,
Powerpoints and the other electronic tools.