Blog #6

How Did You Use AI Applications in Your Practicum?

AI was highly effective in various aspects of my practicum:

  • Creating and Refining Assessments: AI supported the development of rubrics, checklists, and exit slips, ensuring clarity and alignment with learning outcomes.
  • Generating Creative Lesson Ideas: It provided innovative ideas to make lessons engaging and meaningful.
  • Editing Professional Communications: AI helped refine emails to professors, supervisors, mentor teachers, staff, and parents for professionalism and clarity.
  • Supporting Report Card Writing: AI assisted in drafting thoughtful, specific comments, streamlining the process.

What Did You Learn from This Course, and How Has Your Perspective on Integrating Technology Into K-9 Education Grown?

I discovered that technology is a powerful tool, especially for assessment. Encouraging students to document their learning through photos or screenshots fosters reflection and provides comprehensive evidence of progress. This approach ensures all outcomes are met and enhances assessment accuracy.

Additionally, I explored accessible virtual labs, simulations, and interactive experiences for math, science, and literacy. These tools are free, easy to use, and significantly enrich classroom learning.

How Did This Course Answer Your Burning Questions?

I often wondered how to balance technological learning with traditional methods like written, verbal, and physical evidence. This course clarified that a combination of both is ideal:

  • For Younger Students (Pre-Grade 4): Focus on building foundational reading and writing skills.
  • For Older Students: Tools like speech-to-text and text-to-speech support areas where writing or reading skills are secondary, allowing subject-specific outcomes to take precedence.

The key takeaway is that technology, when thoughtfully balanced, enhances learning rather than detracts from it.

How Did You Contribute to the Learning of Others, and What Did You Learn in Return?

Collaboration with peers was a cornerstone of my learning experience:

  • My Contributions: I introduced tools like Scratch and Seesaw, helping others discover their potential.
  • What I Learned: I explored resources like Canva, which expanded my ability to create engaging, professional content.

This exchange of ideas and resources strengthened my confidence in integrating technology into the classroom.

Comments

  1. Natalie RupertDecember 12, 2024 at 6:45 PM

    Your reflections on integrating AI and technology into your practicum are so insightful! I love how you highlighted the balance between technology and traditional methods—it’s such a thoughtful approach to meeting diverse student needs. Your examples, like using AI for assessment tools and creative lesson ideas, really show its potential to enhance teaching. Plus, your contributions, like introducing Scratch and Seesaw, were valuable to your peers. It sounds like this course really gave you practical tools and confidence to make tech an intentional and impactful part of your teaching!

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