Response to the PISF

My thoughts on Technology
Before I embarked on this course, my perception of technology in education was quite limited and, in
some sense, traditional. I viewed technology as a supplementary tool, useful for enhancing lessons
but not integral to the learning process and I used it primarily for research and information
gathering. I had reservations about its effectiveness in facilitating deeper learning experiences. My
view was grounded in a belief that technology could overshadow the essential role of the teacher in
the classroom and essentially replace them. (www.weforum.org,2018)

Course Impact and Practical Application

The course materials have significantly shifted my perspective. Engaging with topics such as ‘Digital
Literacy’, ‘Online Collaboration’, and ‘Virtual Reality in Education’ has prepared me to improve my
future teaching experiences practically.

For instance, while studying ‘Online Collaboration’, I designed a technology-integration task where
my students used collaborative platforms like Google Docs to work on group projects. This not only
fostered teamwork but also allowed them to experience firsthand the convenience and efficiency of
technology, echoing Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory.

As I progressed through the course, I encountered a wealth of knowledge encompassing various key
topics. Let me delve into each of these and discuss how they have shaped my views and practical
approaches:

Theories - BLOOMS, PCK, TPACK, SAMR, and the TCF: These theories provided me with a structured
framework for designing technology-integrated lessons for instance, when preparing a lesson on a
historical event, I used the TPACK model to consider the intersection of technological knowledge,
pedagogical content knowledge, and the subject matter (Koehler & Mishra,2009:60). This model can
assist me in assessing the interplay of my strengths and weaknesses within the realms of content
knowledge, pedagogy, and technology, and how these elements synergize to help me foster
innovative teaching and learning (Kurt, 2018) This taught me how to align technology with the
learning objectives and select appropriate tools to engage students effectively for example: I can use
a computer-based interactive timeline to teach a lesson on World War II. It is important to highly
prioritize teachers' strategic thinking and actions regarding the integration of technologies as
learning tools (Niess, 2011:300)

Technology (T) and Pedagogy (P): I can use the interactive timeline to engage students with visual
aids and quizzes, making the lesson interactive and engaging.

Pedagogy (P) and Content (C): I can structure the lesson to emphasize key historical events and
encourage critical thinking. This may also lead discussions on the war's impact, connecting content
with effective teaching methods.

Content (C) and Technology (T): I must select appropriate digital resources and be able to explain
how the technology enhances the understanding of historical events.
In this example, i integrate TPACK effectively to deliver an engaging and informative lesson on World
War II.

Learner-Centered Classrooms: I learned that a student-centered approach fosters greater

engagement, motivation and ownership of learning (Ian Tudor,2023:22). The course materials
emphasized the importance of allowing students to take charge of their learning process. This notion
inspired me to incorporate more student-led activities and discussions in my teaching.

Active Learning: Basically, being more active instead of passive in the classroom, active learning
strategies involves activities, such as group discussions and problem-solving exercises, (Felder &
Brent, 2009). These techniques have transformed my classroom dynamics, making learning more
interactive and collaborative.

Interactive Presentations: Learning to create interactive presentations enabled me to design

engaging content. I recall a recent lesson on the solar system, where I used an interactive PowerPoint
presentation to simulate a virtual tour of the planets. This not only heightened students' interest but
also facilitated a deeper understanding of the topic.

Interactive Videos - Edpuzzle: The integration of Edpuzzle allowed me to customize educational

videos by embedding questions and discussions unlocking a video-watching setting specifically
created for independent learning, enabling interactive note-taking and peer comment evaluation,
making use of students' familiarity with social media platforms. It was a powerful tool to ensure that
students remained engaged throughout the video content (Mitrovic et al., 2019:2) and (Edpuzzle,
n.d.). For example, I used Edpuzzle in a lesson on climate change, prompting students to reflect on
the subject matter through embedded questions, enhancing their comprehension.

Using Technology in the Classroom: According to Krönke (2020:1), there is a significant digital divide
in Africa, many African kids do not have technology in the classroom, and e-learning holds promise
for the future the course materials highlighted the importance of tech in covid19 and also
responsible and purposeful technology use. This insight has been invaluable in maintaining a
balanced approach to technology integration, ensuring that it complements, rather than replaces,
traditional teaching methods.

Interactive Infographics - Using Canva: The ability to create visually appealing infographics on Canva
has enriched my teaching materials. According to Casey Botticello (2022), they can be a vital tool for
visual communication as they capture attention and keep it. For one of my assignments, I designed
an infographic highlighting key details on the difference between NSC (National Senior Certificate)
and NCV (National Certificate Vocational). This visual aid not only engaged students but also made
complex information more digestible.

Cyber Security and Online Safety: As students become more digitally connected, educating them
about cyber security and online safety is paramount. Hackers target students mostly (Knowledge Hut,
2023). I have integrated lessons on responsible online behaviour to equip my students with the
knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world safely.

Technology in Assessment: Technology has transformed the assessment process. I now employ
online platforms for formative and summative assessments, providing timely feedback and tracking
student progress more effectively for this I can leverage Bloom’s Taxonomy and Bloom’s Revised
Taxonomy as essential hierarchical instructional frameworks for cognitive processes the structures
are designed to shape suitable learning experiences, aiming for positive academic outcomes among
students (Wedlock & Growe, 2023:26).

Creating an Online Quiz - Using Google Forms: Google Forms has become my go-to tool for creating
online quizzes. I can tailor assessments to match specific learning objectives, and students can
receive instant feedback enhancing their understanding of the material, it is free, user-friendly, and
allows so much creativity and flexibility (TotalDigiTech 2022)

Post-Course Reflections
After completing this course, my views on technology in education have evolved. I now see
technology as an essential component of modern education, I see technology as an essential catalyst
for enhancing learning experiences. It's not just a supplementary tool but a means to foster deeper
understanding, engagement, and collaboration among students. Technology, when used thoughtfully
and in alignment with educational theories, can revolutionize the way we teach and learn. It’s not
just about using tech tools; it’s about integrating these tools seamlessly into the curriculum to
enhance learning outcomes

Application in Classroom
The knowledge I’ve gained can be applied in numerous ways in my classroom. For example, using
educational apps to make lessons more interactive, employing virtual reality for immersive learning
experiences, or leveraging online platforms for homework and project collaboration. I've learned to
design lessons that align with pedagogical theories, such as Bloom's Taxonomy and the TPACK
framework. These lessons promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and the integration of
technology to facilitate a more interactive and engaging learning environment.

Moreover, I've realized the importance of adapting to the digital age. As students increasingly rely on
technology, I've integrated technology-related lessons on cyber security and online safety, ensuring
that students are well-prepared to navigate the digital world responsibly.

The integration of interactive presentations, videos, and infographics has made my lessons more
engaging and student-centric. For example, if I have to teach the concept of geometric shapes, I
would utilize interactive infographics to facilitate a visual and interactive learning experience,
allowing students to explore and manipulate shapes on their own.

Additionally, technology has revolutionized assessment in my classroom. I've embraced online

assessment tools, such as Google Forms, to create quizzes and assignments, providing instant
feedback to students. This has streamlined the assessment process and improved the overall learning
experience.

Key Learnings
The most important learning I’m taking away from this course is the concept of ‘Digital Literacy’. In
today’s digital age, it’s crucial not just to use technology but to use it effectively and responsibly.
Teaching students’ digital literacy skills prepares them for the future and encourages lifelong
learning. The most crucial takeaway from this course is the understanding that technology in
education is not merely about using the latest gadgets or applications. It's about aligning technology
with well-established pedagogical theories and the unique needs of each student. It's about creating
a learning environment that empowers students to explore, discover, and take ownership of their
education. This profound shift in perspective has altered my teaching approach, making it more
student-centered and technologically-integrated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this course has been instrumental in transforming my understanding of technology in
education. It has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to integrate technology effectively into
my teaching practice, ultimately benefiting my students’ learning experience. It has been a
transformative journey. It has not only expanded my understanding of technology in education but
has equipped me with practical tools and strategies to enhance my teaching experiences. The
integration of technology, when grounded in educational theories, has the power to revolutionize the
classroom. I now see technology as an ally in education, facilitating deeper learning, engagement,
and skill development. As I move forward, I am eager to continue applying these newfound insights
to create a more enriching and dynamic learning environment for my students.

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