REFLECTIONS

Reflection 1
UNIT 1:
Introduction to Educational Technology

I discovered that the main aim of the Educational technology course is to focus on the
educational uses of information and communication technology. This entails balancing the
learning theories and educational technology applications. The practical approach of this course
has facilitated the development of collaborative skills, problem solving skills and attitudes.
In the first unit Introduction to Educational Technology we articulated our personal philosophy
and goal for using technology in education. This was very important in that, each individual need
to establish his or her principle of using technology in education. This will actually form the
framework or standpoint from which they will operate.
We are living in an age where the students with whom we interact with on a day to day basis are
technologically incline therefore as teachers it is very important to have a firsthand knowledge of
how to integrate technology in our lessons to enhancing learning.
I have learnt from the guidelines of the technology integration matrix that the teacher has to be
able to utilize technological tools in delivering the curriculum content to the students. Besides
that, the teacher has to facilitate the students in exploring and independently using technology
tools. Technological tools are used to facilitate higher order learning activities that may not be
possible without the use of technology. This therefore goes to show that the teacher has to
become knowledgeable and develop the necessary skills that are needed to be on par with the
students.

My goal for integrating technology is to ensure that the students will be actively engaged in
using technology as a tool rather than passively receiving information from the technology.

Reflection 2
UNIT 2:
Theoretical Framework of Educational Technology

One might be wondering what theories like behaviorism, Cognitivism and constructivism has to
do with the integration of technology, but there is indeed a relationship between each of these
learning theories and technology integration.
Based on the behaviorist Theory by B. F. Skinner, learning is based on the notion of operant
conditioning. Behaviors that are rewarded tend to be exhibited more often than those that are not.
Positive and negative reinforcements increase desired behaviors with rewards. Punishment
decreases undesirable behaviors with aversive stimuli Learning happens inside the mind and it
cannot be seen directly. Learning can only be inferred by observing behaviors. Learning can be
understood, explained, predicted entirely on the basis of observable events, namely, the behavior
of the learner along with its environment antecedents and consequence.
The theory that resound with me the most is that of constructivism. This is where children
remember things better if they discovered them by themselves. I believe that learning is
cognitive growth through interaction with the environment. Hence, in integrating technology in
the classroom, my role as an educator is to act as a facilitator, while the students discover things
for themselves. I feel that hands-on activities are essential to help students see how concepts
apply to real-world problems and issues. There is time to allow unstructured exploration that will
motivate students and help them discover their own interest.

Technology is everywhere, entwined in almost every part of our lives. It affects how we shop,
socialize, connect, play, and most importantly learn. With their great and increasing presence in
our lives it only makes sense to integrate the use of technology in the classroom.

Reflection 3
UNIT 3:
Instructional Planning
The theme for unit three was Instructional Planning. We looked at the Dales Cone of Experience
and instructional Design models such as the ADDIE and ASSURE Model.
Dales Cone of Experience is a visual model that is composed of eleven (11) stages starting from
concrete experiences at the bottom of the cone then it becomes more and more abstract as it
reach the peak of the cone. The experiences in each stages can be mixed and are interrelated that
fosters more meaningful learning.
In analyzing the ASSURE model I was reminded of the importance of including visuals in my
lesson to enhance the teaching learning process. Lesson participation is also important; hence it
is my role to ensure that the lesson is student centered where students can participate.

Reflection 4
UNIT 4:
Designing Effective Computer-based Instructional Support Tools

Instructional software packages are computer programs designed specifically to deliver or

We were also introduced to the concept podcast. A podcast is a digital audio file made available
on the internet for downloading to a computer or portable media player. Based on what I have
gained a podcast have several benefits. It can be seen as a motivational tool in capturing
students attention. However, in order for it to be effective, they are some key things to bear in
mind. Among these are: knowing your audience that you aim to reach, ensuring that it is
interactive and also ensuring that it is not too lengthy and drawn out. If these things are not
maintained when creating a podcast then it will eventually defeat its purpose. A story board is the
use of pictures to tell a story. It is like a comic book where squares with illustrations or graphics
are unfolded in sequence. It may also contain narration and notes for each square.

Reflection 5
UNIT 5:
Designing Effective Web-based Instructional Support Tools
We were then required to design and create a Web 2.0 tool to teach in our discipline. Web 2.0 is
the term used to describe a variety of web sites and applications that allow anyone to create and
share online information or material they have created (University of Melbourne, 2015).
Web 2.0 allows people to create, share, collaborate & communicate. Web 2.0 differs from other
types of websites as it does not require any web design or publishing skills to participate, making
it easy for people to create and publish or communicate their work to the world.
It was discovered that Web 2.0 is a term used to describe a variety of web sites and applications
that allow anyone to create and share online information or materials. With the use of the web
people are able to communicate with each other across the world. Through discussion I
discovered that the web sometimes take away from our physical act of socializing. This is mainly
due to the fact that persons tend to communicate via social network.

Reflection 6
UNIT 6:
Assessment with Technology
This course further enriched my knowledge of the various situations in which the different
methods, methodologies and strategies of research may be applied to promote changes in our
society.
For me, the most significant aspect was that the worldview chosen would depend on the topic to
be researched. It made me realize that in order to conduct a successful research, an individual
needs to be personally responsible, participatory and justice-oriented.
Prior to this, I would not have considered some topics to be researchable but I now see they
may yield interesting and informative studies, the results of which can be very beneficial to the
wider society.
Having experienced being a post positivist and seen my colleagues taking on roles as
advocates, constructivists and pragmatists, I now realize that any topic can be researched and that
research is an interesting and interactive way to contribute solutions for change that will improve
on the society we live in.