The Journey Begins

As I evaluate the technology rich environment I am creating in my classroom, I try not to be myopic. There is a big picture and as educators, we may flit around from new technology opportunities to the next new technology opportunity without a focus. I understand that as I present each new site to my students, I also need to be cognizant of the end in mind. Backward design tells us that we begin instruction with the end in mind. Like taking a road trip, and knowing where you will arrive, rather than setting out without a real destination. Both are interesting and both ideas can take you to interesting places. However, you could lose your way if you aren't guided by where you want your students to arrive at the end of the line. Perhaps some of them will go further, and others might not make the destination, but will find value in places along the way that you never even contemplated. We have to think about where they each need to build skills as we introduce them to the technology rich environments that we continually explore. Perhaps allowing them the exploration also, can help them feel empowered. For example, as a way to demonstrate their learning, I exposed my students to Powerpoint, Sliderocket, and Prezi. Then, I offer them a choice in what they would like to use for another presentation. Having used each of them for other projects, they have a choice to determine their own path in the next project. When we expose our students to the latest and greatest out there in technology, we share with them the possibilities for their own singular expression. Each path can be a little varied and such it is with differentiated learning. Having a variety of tools, and knowing how to use them to make each learning experience valuable for each learner, well that is the key to everything, isn't it?