My personal reflections

Participating in this workshop has profoundly transformed my understanding of technology in education. Initially, I viewed technology as a mere tool for efficiency, but throughout the course, I learned to appreciate its potential to foster deeper engagement and collaboration among learners and educators.

One of the most significant positive impacts of technology on my learning experience was through interactive platforms that encouraged participation. We utilized discussion boards and collaborative documents, which allowed for real-time feedback and collective brainstorming. This not only enhanced my understanding of the material but also built a sense of community among peers, making learning feel dynamic and less isolating.

A specific technology tool that stood out to me was an educational app designed for gamified learning. This tool transformed mundane topics into engaging challenges, making it easier to absorb complex concepts. I vividly recall a session where we tackled a difficult subject through a game format, which not only made learning enjoyable but significantly improved my retention of the information. The combination of competition and collaboration created an environment where I felt motivated to participate actively.

Despite the benefits, I also recognized potential drawbacks of technology in education, such as the risk of distraction and the digital divide that can leave some students behind. To address these issues, I believe educators should establish clear guidelines for technology use in the classroom and provide equitable access to resources. Incorporating digital literacy into the curriculum can empower students to navigate technology responsibly, ensuring they can harness its benefits without falling prey to its pitfalls.

The workshop emphasized the role of technology in enhancing collaboration and communication. Tools like video conferencing and shared workspaces allowed us to connect effortlessly, regardless of our physical locations. This reinforced my belief that technology can bridge gaps and create inclusive learning environments, enabling diverse perspectives to enrich discussions.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the course, I feel well-prepared to utilize technology confidently in future educational settings. The hands-on experiences and practical applications provided me with the skills necessary to integrate these tools effectively into my teaching practice.

Ethically, the workshop prompted me to consider how technology can be used responsibly in education. It is crucial for educators to model ethical behavior and ensure that students understand the implications of their digital actions. Establishing a culture of respect and responsibility around technology use is essential for fostering a safe learning environment.

Looking ahead, I envision a future where technology continues to evolve in education, making learning more personalized and accessible. I plan to leverage the skills I acquired during this workshop to explore innovative teaching methods and advocate for the responsible use of technology in my future endeavors. This course has equipped me with tools and ignited a passion for integrating technology into education, ensuring that I can facilitate meaningful learning experiences for my students.

TPACK Lesson Plan: Digital Food Journey – Cultural Exchange Through Cooking

Students will create digital recipe cards and presentations about traditional dishes from their cultures using Canva, combining language learning, cultural exchange, and digital skills. The activity its thought to be made in no more than 3 days

Warm-up (10 minutes)

• Picture-based vocabulary introduction
• TPR activities with cooking verbs
• Interactive flashcards review

Language Focus (20 minutes)

• Present cooking vocabulary with visuals
• Practice imperative form through examples
• Teach measurement vocabulary and numbers

Planning (15 minutes)

• Students select traditional recipes
• Complete recipe planning worksheet
• Begin organizing content

Canva Tutorial (10 minutes)

• Demonstrate Canva features
• Show recipe card templates
• Explain design principles

Recipe Card Creation (35 minutes)

• Create digital recipe cards
• Add images and text
• Record pronunciation of instructions
• Peer language check

Recipe Presentations (30 minutes)

• Students present their recipes
• Practice listening comprehension
• Cultural discussion

Feedback and Review (15 minutes)

• Language feedback
• Pronunciation practice
• Cultural exchange discussion

Students will be able to:

1. Use cooking vocabulary and imperative forms correctly
2. Describe cooking processes using sequencing words
3. Present recipes orally with proper pronunciation
4. Write clear cooking instructions in English
5. Discuss cultural aspects of food in English

Content Knlowledge

• Food vocabulary and cooking verbs
• Imperative form for instructions
• Sequencing words (first, then, next, finally)
• Cultural aspects of food and cooking
• Numbers and measurements

Pedagogical Knowledge

• Task-based learning
• Total Physical Response
• Communicative approach
• Scaffolding techniques
• Multiple intelligence activities

Assessment Rubric:

• Language Accuracy:
  • Correct use of imperatives
  • Appropriate vocabulary
  • Proper sequencing
• Oral Presentation:
  • Clear pronunciation
  • Fluent delivery
  • Appropriate pace
• Digital Recipe Card:
  • Clear organization
  • Visual appeal
  • Complete information
• Cultural Content:
  • Cultural background
  • Traditional elements
  • Clear explanation

Applying the SAMR model

1. Substitution (S):

Activity: Digital Vocabulary Flash Cards

Tech Tool: Quizlet

Instead of paper flashcards, the students are going to create digital vocabulary word sets via Quizlet. They will enter the terms and their definitions, as well use various of Quizlet study modes to practice for drills that will help them remember what was learned.

2. Augmentation (A):

Type of Work—Collaborative Essay Writing And Editing

If you are able, use tech tools that can catch typos and grammatical errors; e.g., Google Docs or Grammarly.

Students will write essays collaboratively in small groups using Google Docs. They’ll use the real-time editing and commenting features to give peer feedback. Additionally, they’ll use Grammarly as an integrated tool to check for grammar, spelling, and style improvements.

3. Modification (M):

Operation: App-Based Video With Activities

Tech Tool: Edpuzzle

Teachers can create video lessons with Edpuzzle that students will watch interactively. They will choose some educational video (published usually on YouTube but somewhere else of course) so the questions and comments on which they later embed in torque order, record quizzes etc. The students will be able to watch through the videos in their own time, answer questions and get instant feedback as they go along.

4. Redefinition (R):

Type of Project: Virtual Global Classroom Exchange

Technology Tools: Zoom, Padlet and Flipgrid

Students will connect through a virtual exchange with another country. In live video conferences on Zoom, students will discuss their cultural topics and work together. Padlet setup for synchronous and asynchronous idea-sharing and resources gathering Students will then use Flipgrid to create video responses and presentations that they can share with students in partner programs from several countries which allows for more robust cultural exchange, language practice, etc…