Running head: FINAL REFLECTION PAPER

Final Reflection Paper

Tiffany Smith
Regent University

In partial fulfillment of UIS 350 Technology in Education, Fall 2016

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Introduction

The course, Technology for Educators, has helped to increase my understanding of the
technology available to future teachers. In todays world, no classroom is without some tool of
technology from the basics of computers to the complexity of Smart Boards. Technology has
become an essential method of teaching in the classrooms. In this paper, I will be reflecting on
my learning from the semester and describing how the course has fulfilled the mission of the
College of Arts and Sciences at Regent University.
Reflection on Learning
In the readings assigned this semester, I have discovered new information about the
current technology in schools. From our course textbook, Teach Like a Techie: 20 Tools for
Researching the Digital Generation, Ive learned about the different methods of computer
technology available to teachers. Moreover, I was really intrigued with the tool Tagxedo. I had
always wondered how to make a word cloud, as author Lori Elliott calls it (Elliott, 22). I could
use this tool in my future classroom to introduce a new concept or a new subject that has all the
vocabulary words on it. Another tool I thought was interesting was the Live Binder. Often
times, papers can go missing, assignments can be lost, and binders can be forgotten at home.
This creates an easily accessible binder that can be opened anywhere without any loose papers or
extra baggage. Its a convenient and simple organizational tool. I would use these for my future
students. I think it would make bringing papers home easier because you would avoid the step
where students forget their papers at school.
In addition to the course textbook, articles about Internet filtration at schools were also
some interesting articles that shed light onto an area of technology that I wasnt familiar with.
Now that Ive read, Is it Time to Stop Filtering the Internet at School? and Internet Filtering

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in Schools: Protection or Censorship?, I believe that Internet filtration can be a negative thing. I
always was in the mindset of Internet filtration being a good thing, but the articles may have
changed my mind. Jason Bretzmann comments on how teachers should be thinking in relation to
Internet filtering: shouldnt we still be teaching best practices and expectations? And shouldnt
we be teaching how to harness the power of social media and the internet for positive uses?
(Bretzmann and Strok, 6). I believe teachers need to teach wise stewardship of technology to all
students. I plan to incorporate all forms of technology into my future classroom and to teach
students how to use it and not abuse it.
Fulfilling the Mission of the College of Arts and Sciences
The process of integrating technology into the classroom can be linked to how God works
in our lives. James 1:17 says, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. God gives only good
gifts and one of those gifts to us is technology. God gives wisdom to humans in order that they
make things that will glorify him. Teachers can use technology as a way of encouragement and
positivity in order to glorify God through wise practice. This idea fulfills Regents mission to
train up leaders who will live in accordance with Gods word and who will be a light to all they
encounter. Glorifying God demonstrates Christs character in us.

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References

Bretzmann, J., & Strok, M. G. (2013-14, December/January). Is it Time to Stop Filtering the
Internet at School? Learning and Leading with Technology.
Elliot, L. (2011). Teach Like a Techie. Peterborough, New Hampshire: Crystal Springs Books.