Reflections Week Nine - The Last but One

Week nine is ending, and ‘the last week’ is about to begin in a few hours. Final project reports have been submitted. Our adventurous and rewarding journey is in the final phase; the shores are approaching nearer.

Week nine was full of valuable information and profound insights on Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences. Like always, there was a nice discussion on Nicenet, regarding learner styles and use of technology. Discussion is a good way of learning, but let’s not forget that not all students would be comfortable with this tool. I enjoy discussions, anyway.

A teacher ought to be conscious of the learning approach of his learners without which learning cannot happen. I was very impressed by Howard Gardener who suggests educators to individualize and pluralize their teaching. He explains that instead of “one size fits all,” they should learn as much as they can about each student, and teach each person in ways that they find comfortable and learn effectively. Important materials should be taught in several ways, to suit the learning style of each student. Also if we teach only in one way, our own understanding is likely to be thin.

Submission of final project report in time was a big relief. I am so satisfied with my project and the implementation of technology in my classroom. So it wasn't like you learn it first and then experiment it in your class later with your students. The simultaneous implementation of technology in the classroom with the help of this project was a wonderful idea. This meant that much before the end of this course, we had started experimenting with technology in the classroom, with our instructor and guide Courtney by our sides to help and guide us through any difficulties.

The project benefited me in more than one ways. In addition to bringing about the technology change in my classroom, it helped me in finding about the learning styles of my students. In order to implement the technology effectively in the classroom, one ought to know about the learning styles of their learners and then decide about the tool(s) to be used. This is not going to make things easier for teachers, but it’s definitely going to make them better.

Thanks Week Nine! Come Week Ten!

Darshan