Looking Back

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“Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time
It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life”
⸺Green Day


(Image source: giphy.com)



Looking Back; Moving Forward

As our journey through EDU 776 comes to a close, I thought I'd take a look back and reflect upon this very busy time. This class has been somewhat of an eye-opener: when I was in school, technology was a Speak and Spell and Apple II. Technology was not a part of our curriculum. However, today's students live in a different world. Generation Z'rs have grown up as digital natives. They use technology everyday to manage their lives. Generation Alpha will experience a full immersion in technology. They will expect, and only be able to learn, with a technology-rich classroom.

(Image source: amazon.com)

Some of the things I have learned (in no particular order)

  • Active learning strategies are the key to engagement
  • Technology can help, especially when they are connected through social media
  • Knowing how to use technology wisely, and safely, isn't innate. It will take explicit instruction
  • Maintaining a professional online presence is important: it shows how tech lit we are
  • Communicating with other teachers is a great way to continue my learning
  • Accessibility & UDL. Learn it. Embrace it.
So, as I move forward in my new career, I have a number of new strategies and resources to help me craft engaging lessons that lead to deep learning. I look forward to implementing these into future lessons.

A final note, I would like to say "thank you" to all my classmates who's work help inspire me and guide me to new perspectives and practices. And a special "thank you" to our instructor, Nicole Zumpano, who's energy and resourcefulness has made this class such a success.

Sincerely,
Andy Dunning

Goodbye for now! (personal image)

References

Pritchard, M.R., et al (Oct 1997). Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) [Green Day]. On Nimrod [Audio recording]. Los Angeles, C.A.: 49:09.

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