Alicia Russo Stevens
CUIN 6320, Monday Evening
May 7, 2001

Reflections on CUIN 6320, Using Technology in the Classroom

The following is a reflection on CUIN 6320, Using Technology in the Classroom. This course was taught by Dr. Bump at the University of Houston. Below you will find my reflections on the ISTE Recommended Foundations in Technology for All Teachers, my thoughts on my skills the beginning, throughout, and end of the semester, and what I would like to change about the class.

To being with, at the beginning of the semester, our class rated our skill level in a multitude of technological areas on the "ISTE Recommended Foundations in Technology for All Teachers" form. I rated myself the highest rating in most of the operational aspects of technology, such as operating multimedia, using appropriate terminology, using computers for problem solving, and exploring computer resources. The highest rating, a 3, means that I believe I could integrate the above-mentioned tools into instructional practices. I rated myself the middle and lowest ratings, a 2 and 1 respectively, on technological items such as using computers for assessment purposes, designing student learning activities using technology, integrating technology for a variety of student group activities, and the use of digital cameras and scanners. The 2 and 1 ratings means that I can use the application or that I am aware of it. I believe that after this course, I am better prepared to use what I know about technology to integrate it into the curriculum for instructional and assessment purposes. I feel much more comfortable using technology in general and the World Wide Web in particular to enhance whatever lessons I may be presenting to my class. I would now rate myself a 3 (could integrate into instructional practices) on all aspects of the "ISTE Recommended Foundations in Technology for All Teachers".

Also, as I mentioned above, my skill level at the beginning of the semester was more centered toward using technology for recreational purposes. This course has taught me how to use technology to enhance my own learning and provide a forum for my students to enhance their learning as well. The activities and Web Quests that our class performed were interesting, educational, and engaging. They were also very practical. Now, at the end of the semester, I find myself wishing more classes were this engaging and up-to-date. It seems like everything we learned was the latest in technology; there was no old information. The only thing I would change about this class would be to make it a 2-semester course; the first semester could be geared towards individuals with absolutely no computer experience with the second semester being geared towards those students who are already computer savvy.

In conclusion, this was a well above-average class when considering practicality and inclusion in the classroom.