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Title
Student’s name
Instructor
Course
Date
Module 1 Discussion: Self-Introduction
1.
Summary of My Education and Career Goals
Hi everyone. I am (name), and I am currently studying for my Master of Science in Education and Special Education at Touro College. I have education experience with a background in working within both special and general education environments. I would like my career to be as a specialist special education teacher who employs technology in creating better inclusive learning spaces. I am concerned with making inclusive opportunities for all students, particularly the diverse learners, and seek to utilize assistive technology and online platforms in responding to those needs comprehensively.
2. Assignment 1: Baseline Survey
What do we already know about instructional technology?
I have hands-on knowledge of learning technology software, including Google Classroom and Nearpod, through which I’ve enabled participation and differentiated instruction. I also have a general knowledge of LMS platforms to manage assignments and student communication. I would like to further understand how to utilize assistive technology more effectively and know how to assess digital tools for the needs of students and learning outcomes.
peers’ Baseline Surveys
I loved reading my peers’ baseline surveys. It is wonderful to see so many of us entering with various levels of experience and backgrounds. For example, I saw others already implementing digital portfolios and advanced LMS tools, and that makes me wonder about what to look into next. I am eager to learn from all my peers.
3.
How Google Classroom Will Improve Tech-Based Assignments and Foster Independence.
Utilizing Google Classroom can maximize technology-based assignments greatly in my classroom. It gives a structure, a central location where lessons are available to students, assignments are turned in, and feedback is provided in one location (Arochman & Fortinasari, 2024). This helps create responsibility and independence in students. With all these capabilities like scheduling, customized assignments, and integration with other tools like Docs and Slides, I can accommodate individual learning styles and tempos, making students more independent and technology-savvy learners.
4.
LMS Improvement Opportunity in a K–16 Setting
I observed a high school science class where the instructor employed paper handouts and verbal instructions alone. Some students were disengaged, and others found it difficult to keep things organized. This would have been the perfect environment in which to roll out an LMS such as Google Classroom or Schoology. According to Fidan & Gencel (2022), posting handouts, instructional videos, and interactive models on a webpage, helps students to easily re-watch lessons at their own pace and work more effectively with each other. This lost opportunity served to further underscore the relevance of LMS tools to reaching diverse learner populations and building accessibility.
References
Arochman, T., & Fortinasari, P. B. (2024). Implementation of Technology-based learning by pre-service teachers during teaching practice program.
Premise: Journal of English Education and Applied Linguistics,
13(1), 126-145.
Fidan, M., & Gencel, N. (2022). Supporting the instructional videos with chatbot and peer feedback mechanisms in online learning: The effects on learning performance and intrinsic motivation.
Journal of Educational Computing Research,
60(7), 1716-1741.
