My Curriculum and Technology Journey

Reflective Entries

 

I believe technology enhances learning by increasing engagement, supporting diverse needs, and building digital skills. Through the Curriculum and Technology Integration course, my goal is to learn how to use tech tools purposefully to improve instruction and student outcomes, and to help me grow more confident and intentional in my teaching.

Class 0: September 3, 2025

For this week, I was in a practicum at Enfield Elementary School, in a grade 1/2 classroom. My associate teacher integrated technology in the classroom by using PowerPoint. They used PowerPoint daily to display the morning greeting, activities, and visual instructions.  An example of this is the teacher would have a “morning message” to start the day. The message included important information about their day, including the date, the specials they had for the day, and any other important information. The students then took turns choosing words they recognized, and when every word was circled, they read the morning greeting as a class. I look forward to seeing what other technology my associate teacher integrates into her lessons!

Class 1: September 10, 2025

When I saw "The Dot" by Peter H Reynolds, I was excited to see how it related to the curriculum and tech integration. The story had been introduced to me in my Visual Arts course last semester. I had only been thinking of this book from the visual arts perspective. International Dot Day inspired me to implement this in my own classroom. Creativity and collaboration are two things I strive to achieve in my classroom, so what better way to introduce this book and the International Dot Day as a way to celebrate creative and courageous collaboration. 

 

I was also inspired by the article "The Dot" and the Growth Mindset. As a new teacher, this is something I want to implement into my own practice and introduce to my students the idea of digging deeper into the growth mindset, with the goals of taking pride in our work, believing in ourselves, and never saying "I can't!". 

 

Novel Effect is also a great resource when celebrating International Dot Day! 

 

 

 

Class 2: September 17, 2025

What is your favorite definition of curriculum Integration?

My favorite definition of curriculum integration is the meaningful blending of subjects to create a more connected and relevant learning experience.

During this class, I discovered Padlet and the possibilities of Padlet in the elementary classroom. Padlet can be easily integrated into the classroom and used for connecting learning goals and creating a meaningful learning experience. I thought the map feature was a great way to connect students and create a relevant learning experience. I learned that technology, like Padlet mapping activity, is a great way to create conversation and meaning in learning!

 

I also learned how to make a Bitmoji! I envision Bitmoji being used in the classroom in many different ways, such as in Google Slides or Canva presentations,  daily/weekly announcements, and as a fun way to begin writing prompts. 

Class 3: September 24, 2025

Google Suite Self-Assessment Reflection

As I reflect on the Google Suite self-assessment, I realized that I didn’t know as much as I thought I did about Google Suite. I was also surprised by the number of features in Google Suite that I did not know existed, specifically with Google extensions and Google Meet. I would like to know more about how to use Google Meet as well as using Google Classroom from a teacher's point of view, instead of a student. I look forward to learning more about the features of Google Suite and how it can be implemented in the classroom. 

 

Class 4: October 1, 2025

Curriculum Research Leaders Presentation Reflection

After listening to the presentation and reflecting on the discussion questions, I was intrigued to read more about using Google Classroom as assistive technology in Universally Designed Classrooms. I believe that using Google Classroom offers numerous benefits, particularly in enhancing the learning experience for students with diverse needs, and it is a convenient, accessible tool for students to utilize in the classroom. As a new teacher, I feel myself and my students would benefit from using Google Classroom in my own classroom. I hope to teach in the younger grades, so I think this would be a good tool to introduce to the lower elementary grades, setting up their account, logging in, opening up a document in Google Classroom, and how to fill out a form/assignment. I think this would also be beneficial for them to learn in the earlier grades to prepare them for upper grades to use Google Classroom in more complex ways.