Blog Posting Assignment 2

Technology transcends itself from novelty to an educational tool only when it addresses problems of practice. I have learned that you have to look at the educational need(s) that you are attempting to address and then decide which pedagogical strategies and technology can best serve your needs. The TechQuest project helped me develop skills related to the analysis of technology for educational purposes. It is important to understand what a piece of technology can do for you before you add it to your teaching arsenal. The SIG and TechQuest project relied on thorough educational research and the use of Google Scholar made it much easier to identify quality journal articles related to the different research topics. The search engine has evolved since I first used one about fifteen years ago, and I am curious to see the next iteration in Web 3.0.
I have become accustomed to using Google Documents for most of my office needs due to the ability to access the files from any computer connected to the internet. In addition, I have integrated the use of this software into my classroom due to its ease of use for collaboration. Collaborative creation is a direct result from the development of Web 2.0 technologies. The constructivist approach is a more accessible pedagogical strategy than it ever had been before.
The goals that I set for myself in regards to learning about technology integration are unreachable in theory. My goal to become more knowledgeable in the use of technology to address problems of practice is a never ending pursuit; yet, I have made considerable progress over the past three graduate courses. I have learned a great deal from the different group members that I have worked with as well. It has been great to observe the viewpoints that are coming from different professionals that are specialized in different content areas than mathematics. I have missed being in an educational setting with peers, and look forward to continuing the MAET program. I believe that an effective educator must always be evolving in order to keep up with the educational trends. I am a life-long learner that revels in furthering my own education and then applying the knowledge in my own teaching.

The concepts of the two large assignments (TechQuest and SIG) will be an integral part of my future development as a learner and teacher. I will continue to seek out technologies that can help address my problems of practice and become part of the global conversation with other educators. The internet has provided the platform for professional collaboration, and I hope to continue to join others' in the quest to develop educational resources for use by me and other educators. The knowledge that these communities can provide is exponential. I could be nearsighted and attempt to develop educational objects myself without the input of others or I can let others tinker with these objects and enhance them with original thought. I will continue to modify my goals in an attempt to become more of a global collaborator and continue to develop my educational technology analysis skills.