Course Goals

3 goals I have for EDSC 3250:

1. I want to learn more about Canvas, Skyward, and other various online grading websites in order to stay connected with my students and their parents. I want to learn more about how to use these tools because I think students are more motivated to stay up with their grades when they are aware of how they are doing in the class. This goal is aligned to ISTE Standard for Educators 7a which states, "Use assessment data to guide progress and communicate with students, parents, and education stakeholders to build student self-direction," because it discusses using a way to provide and guide progress and communication with parents and students.

2. I want to learn more about various websites that can help all students expand their learning on various topics. I want my students be able to use technology to be able to study, work on projects and assignments, as well as learn about new technology that they can also use in their future learning experience and careers. This goal is aligned with ISTE Standard for Educators 6b which states, "manage the use of technology and student learning strategies in digital platforms, virtual environments, hands-on maker spaces or in the field." My goal and standard are aligned because they both have the intention of helping students learn and discover new learning strategies through technology.

3. I want to learn more about how and why technology is so important for the future of education. Growing up, technology was not used every day in my classrooms. My senior year of high school, all the students were given iPads to take tests, complete homework, and study. This was a hard transition for me because I was so used to taking tests and quizzes on paper, not on iPads. Since I was not introduced to a lot of technology when I was in school, I do not know as much about it as I think I should. This goal is lined up with ISTE Standard for Educators 1a which states, "Set professional learning goals to explore and apply pedagogical approaches made possible by technology and reflect on their effectiveness." My goal and standard are aligned because they both demonstrate a way to explore and apply the possibility of technology being used in education and how it can be beneficial.

I will engage my students in setting their own goals and tracking their progress towards these goals by first having them write down their goals. This a great first day of school activity because it gives them something to think about and work towards starting from the beginning. Once they have written down their goals, I think it is important to remind yourself weekly of your goals. I will have my students review their goals each week and reflect on them regarding if they have made any progress towards their goals or if they have not. Once they have successfully completed a goal, I will use extrinsic motivation and give my students bonus points towards a test, missing assignment, etc... By using extrinsic motivation and tracking their goals, my students will be able to set goals, track goals, and have something to work forward to.