REFLECTION ESSAY

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LT 7360 Reflection Essay

When I decided to enroll in LT 7360 Integrating Technology into School-Based

Learning Environments, I was unsure of what to expect from the course. I thought maybe the
course would be an overview of the history of technology in school-based settings, and I thought
the professor would take the lecture approach of delivering instruction. To my surprise, the
course format was beyond my expectations. The approach the professor took in covering the
course objectives was engaging from the beginning to the end of the semester. I have gained
valuable knowledge regarding technology in the classroom that has shifted my thinking and
encouraged me to reevaluate the role of technology in my classroom.
Before taking the LT 7360 course, I thought utilizing technology in a school-based
setting was similar to using basic tools to enhance instruction such as interactive whiteboards and
computers. Occasionally, I would use interactive math games online or math tools to help
students understand concepts. After taking the LT 7360 course, I have come to realize the wide
spectrum of innovativeness technology can bring to classroom instruction. Even if students do
not have access to technology in their homes, I can still create technology-rich assignments for
students to interact with in the classroom.
Secondly, I have realized that technology can be used as the basis for instruction to teach
a unit rather than using technology occasionally throughout the unit. LT 7360 has provided me
with many examples of how technology makes project-based learning easier to enforce and more
engaging for students. My previous thoughts about the implementation of a project-based unit
were it would be overwhelming for all involved, and the students would be so distracted by the
nonessential aspects of the project so much that little learning would take place. I am amazed
that this whole course was project-based, and I feel I have learned much more than I would have

Nyima McCoy
Georgia State University
Fall 2014

REFLECTION ESSAY

in a traditional lecture-based course. The importance of real-world application for increased

learning was indirectly emphasized throughout the course through the continuous use of projectbased learning.
The role of technology in my classroom will change a bit after my experience with the
LT 7360 course. No longer will I incorporate technology into my instruction solely as a tool like
a calculator that my students access occasionally for a short period of time. I now understand
that technology can be the main attraction rather than simply a sideshow. Instead of projects
being short and tedious to create and implement, technology will be used to create unit projects
that are engaging, meaningful to learning, and easy to implement.
All in all, as a teacher, I felt the LT 7360 course was relevant to my work environment
and enjoyable to partake in. All of the projects I completed can be duplicated in a school-based
environment with modifications based on content area. The course has been one of my favorite
courses I have taken, and I enjoyed every week of instruction. I can only hope that I can offer
such a well-planned and implemented technology-rich course to my students in the future.

Nyima McCoy
Georgia State University
Fall 2014