DESCRIPTION:

The Lesson plan was prepared for Professor Abby Kleier (TESL 501) Fall II 2019 Language Learning thru Technology to demonstrate the ability to evaluate, utilize and integrate Education technologies differently from the traditional teaching approach and create more active participation for a variety of contexts teaching English.

REFLECTION:

Unfortunately, a historical worldwide pandemic has uncovered and confirmed how vital technology's role is for teachers' teaching and students' learning experiences. The technological capability of online education allowed teachers to continue teaching their students at home at different grade levels. My observations and teaching practicum, which was completed online, offered deep insight into the challenges of student engagement, the value of technology used in teaching students and my lack of experience using different technology. However, most evidence presented that integrating technology into the classroom makes instructor preparations easier and the learning experience for students more engaging.

APPLICATION:

Dudeney and Hockly (2012) stated that a blended learning model "places emphasis on students learning outside of the traditional classroom space" (p. 542). The advent of the pandemic created a greater urgency to assess and integrate educational apps into the classroom. Students' access to iPads and smartphones is arguably the most accessible for them to engage in class using apps similar to Coggle, Story Creator, and Quik Video for learning activities; whether in a virtual or physical classroom or home doing homework. Understanding the importance of integrating technology into the classroom helps both students and teachers. I will continually update myself, learning what educational apps are available and popular that teachers use in the classroom through research, a community of teachers, and fellow teachers. I understand that learning is not a passive activity. It is active with applications that will require me to continuously learn how to integrate them for a more engaged classroom.