Throughout the course EDTC 6431, Learning for Technology, I created a lesson integrating technology into a high school weight training class or Athletic Performance Enhancement (APE). I also teach a freshman health class that would have been very easy to add more technology to, as we already use quite a bit, but I wanted to challenge myself by adding technology to a class that typically uses very little, if any. To do this, I decided to take a project that about half the class has already done (the repeaters) and turn it into something new using technology. This project is the personal trainer project where the students get to partner up to “train” each other creating a monthlong workout plan and diet based on their peers goal. To add technology to this project students recorded each other performing the workout that they designed, demoing the exercises. The final result could either be in video form or a powerpoint with videos embedded.
After completing the lesson written in phase 4, I would rate it a 7 out of 10. I think the lesson fits with the class culture and the students who were prepared really enjoyed filming each other using either their phone or chromebook. The issue I had and the reason why I only gave it a 7 is due to the constant struggle in PE with students bringing their technology to class. Reminders were given leading up to the day, reminders were written in the locker room for them and still students either did not have it or they were not charged. I do think the lesson met all of the learning targets, transitioned really well, kept the students engaged and included enough assessment to ensure learning. However, my struggle is and will be the majority of students do not associate PE with technology and my goal is to try to change that culture.
In addition to this lesson, I tried to incorporate more technology into the classroom by starting a weekly blog so the students could keep track of their workouts, monitor their progress and generally reflect on the week. This again has been a struggle because they do not bring their chromebooks to class. Although class time is given for the blog post, I have unfortunately had to give zeros for about half the students who are choosing not to do the blog because they are not bringing their chromebooks. My next step moving forward and big takeaway from this lesson is to survey the students to see what technology they want to use in class and what would motivate them to bring their chromebooks, charged, to class.
Overall, this course and this project have been nothing but beneficial. I have tried many new ideas to add technology into the classroom and feel this APE class has been my guinea pig for me to try different things and make mistakes. Although I may not know where I will be teaching next year, I am confident that I will be able to add technology into the classroom, even if there is limited access to technology. It is all about being creative and stepping out of your comfort zone. At the end of the day, the students love technology and they are the experts - so using them as a resource is crucial!
Link to Personal Project (modified for blog post): https://docs.google.com/document/d/11aOzjvBqjCUeS3aWFkailjVwjyxrkMGloqctrDJZ1cQ/edit?usp=sharing
Contents of link include:
Standards/objectives, strategies/resources, lesson plan/artifacts
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