I found creating a technology learning plan for myself and investigating various software evaluations useful and informative.
Creating my technology learning plan, with the aid of the Learning with Technology Learning Profile Tool, provided me with information that reinforced that many of the things I am currently doing in the classroom are beneficial, worthwhile, and academically sound as well as food for thought in regard to how I might tweak some things I am doing to strengthen their value in the classroom. These types of tools/activities cause me to be more reflective as I make choices in regard to how I am going to use technology in the classroom as well as where I can use technology to enhance the content, for instance.
The software evaluation investigation was interesting; I especially like the evaluations offered online. Prior to this course and this particuluar assignment I may not have placed any (in-depth) thought into evaluating the software provided to me as a teacher or as to how I might go about evaluating new software that I'd consider for use in the classroom. The tool (Vital Knowledge Online Software Evalution Form) our group decided was the best is easy to use and thorough. I liked the simplistic, yet thorough, format; I look forward to using it more in the future as well as sharing it with colleagues.
As far as our reading this week, I think I am going to post the term "digital natives" somewhere in my classroom as a constant reminder of my audience.
