EDUC 932 Blog Post #7: Ed Tech Tools in Class

​I have been very lucky to have had the chance to study under Steve Katz the past two weeks, and have been exposed to many different educational technology applications that I look forward to integrating into my classroom in the weeks and months to come. 

​Personally, the most transformative tool I have encountered has been Twitter.  Prior to our course, I was unaware of its usefulness in developing a PLN and curating articles and resources for professional development.  Having used it for the past couple of weeks, I can’t imagine not checking in on Twitter in the future.  It has really opened my eyes to the value of social media tools when used professionally.

​​However, I don’t see myself using Twitter in class any time soon.  The tool that has shown itself to be of the most potential value to my students is the blog.  I’ve come to realize that by having students create and maintain learning blogs, I will be providing them with a framework upon which they can integrate any number of other technologies we wish to use. 

They can share videos, digital art, and opinions.  Blogging will provide them with an authentic reason to revise and rewrite their work.  Getting creative with their blogs and posts will provide them with a sense of agency in their learning.  Their blogs will also allow them to connect with the world as global digital citizens. 

​By adding blogging to my curriculum, I will be able to meet a number of the 2016 ISTE Student Standards and begin to move further towards creating a 21st-century learning environment in my classroom.