Educators as Designers

Ok, until this class, I never thought of myself as a designer....but that's really what I am.  I think I was more a designer when I was in the classroom than I am now as the ITRT...or at least I designed a LOT more lessons then.  The nature of seeing students for only 45 minutes once every 12 days, leads me to just create quick "activities" than to really design something worth while.   

I loved the design of the rainforest lesson!  I think I've used pieces of something like that before, but didn't design it to it's full potential.  So, it wasn't nearly as effective. 

My question is this...how do I design lessons for my students based on such a short amount of time?  Something is always getting lost. I use technology for technology's sake sometimes....which I hate.

First Class Reflection

One major thing I learned during this first class is where NOT to park. :)  But, seriously, I learned that Priscilla teaches to my exact learning style...which is a great thing. I also learned a great definition for technology and that we teachers are designers. I like that description, because it fits so perfectly.

I now know that we should be teaching our students to be designers. If they are designers then they will have the skills to succeed in life, not to just pass a test.

As I think about how to teach my students in the computer lab, I will focus on activities that lead them to become designers and critical thinkers.  I will also apply this idea when I help teachers integrate technology.  I think we all fall into the trap of using technology for technology's sake. I need to be careful that the technology used is purposeful and helpful in student learning.