Final Goals Reflection

In the beginning of the semester I set three goals that I had for EDSC 3250. They were:

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.

Was I able to reach these goals?

1. My first goal was to learn more about Canvas, Skyward, and other various online grading tools. This is a goal that I definitely met and exceeded. I met this goal because I made a Canvas Instructor classroom in this class where I learned how to make a Canvas Instructor page as well as grade assignments, and make assignments, quizzes, and discussions. Now, I definitely feel confident in using Canvas. I also learned how to make a Google Classroom, which is something that I am definitely wanted to implement into my future teaching. I think it is a good way for students, teachers, and parents to all be on the same page. Since I will most likely be teaching in Utah, and a lot of schools in Utah use Canvas, I am so happy that I learned more about it now so I have an overall good idea of what it is all about instead of going in blind.

2. My second goal was to learn more about various websites that can help all students expand their learning on various topics. I also think that I met and exceeded this goal because there were multiple times that we would do assignments (posted on our google website) where I would have to do research and investigate tools for students and parents to have. Some websites that I became familiar with are: uen.org, wasatchadaptativesports.org, healthychildren.org, canva.com, khanacademy, pecentral, etc... All of these websites will help give students and parents more information on physical education, health, tips and tricks, as well as standards.

3. My third goal was to learn more about how and why technology is so important for the future of education. This is also a goal that I definitely met because this is a topic that came up almost every day we had this class. I was able to discover tools that can actually be used in PE without them feeling forced or like they are a distraction. For example, some tools that I learned more about that will be beneficial for physical education are flipgrid, canva, google doc applications, screencastify, heart rate monitors, and various computer programming tools/widgets. Since technology is in the hands of almost every teenager, it is something that they are comfortable with. Using technology in physical education can give students the opportunity to learn how to use technology as a way to stay physically fit. Using various apps such as the SWEAT app, Nike app, and others can give students an idea of how to be physically fit outside of school.

Goals for the Future 
For my future, I have many goals. The current goal that I am working towards right now is to focus on my student teaching and graduate. For my student teaching, my goal is to incorporate technology into every unit. Whether that be using heart rate monitors, chromebooks, hyperdoc assignments, etc... I also want to implement Canvas/Google classroom into every unit. My current cooperating teacher that I have for student teaching uses google classroom, but she asked me if I could teach her how to use Canvas--which I thought was really awesome! After my student teaching, I have a few other goals that I want to accomplish. Once I start teaching in my own classroom, one goal that I have is to also use some form of technology into every unit. Because I want to use technology, my goal is to provide Chromebooks for students to use in class (during review/game play days) to complete assignments that will be given on Canvas. I do not want these students to feel at a disadvantage if they are unable to do homework with technology at home. Another goal that I have is to continue to learn more about technology in the classroom. I plan on taking additional college courses to learn more about the new and improving technology in order to keep up with my students and to continue to make my curriculum better for students.