Blog Post #11 - Jacob's Preservice Teacher Internship / Field Experience Reflection

This fall, I used the IU School of Education Jacobs’ Preservice Teacher Internship Award as my field experience this semester. Through this internship, I meet with both in-service and pre-service educators to discuss how to design and implement online eLearning materials at the elementary level. I work with in-service teachers by assisting in the creation of eLearning materials. My group’s focus grade-band is K-2. I, along with other future teachers, are looking to find how to best incorporate technology in the classroom setting to enhance learning for the younger elementary age. This collaboration has been eye-opening in the sense that it allows me to collaborate with others to find the right tools for virtual learning. A highlight of this time of teamwork is learning new tools and resources for my future classroom instruction. Personally, I shared an eLearning lesson plan with my peers. It was in the form of a HyperDoc targeting 2nd grade standards. I was able to take what I know and give that to others as they did the same for me.

Questions that were brought up during this field experience include:

• What makes good in-person instruction?

• What makes good eLearning instruction?

All of the Jacob’s interns worked together to brainstorm instructional strategies. There were a couple trends that we all agreed on. Good quality in-person instruction includes community, authentic learning, and assessment. With community comes conversation/collaboration and a safe learning environment. Authentic learning includes differentiation and strong relationships. This can be done through on-going assessment; in-person instruction allows for educators to continuously observe and assess their students to best meet their needs within the classroom. When considering virtual instruction, all interns agreed that there is opportunities for choice, organization, and sharing. There is both choice in instruction and learning. The teachers have endless possibilities with modelling, assigning, and assessing; meanwhile, the students are able to display their proficiency multimodally. This is also seen through active sharing, groupwork, and feedback.

My overall thoughts on technology leadership are that it is a helpful in creating learner-centered educational practices and essential for preparing learners for their futures by equipping them with 21st century skills. Incorporating tech into the classroom looks towards the future and offers numerous tools/resources. As a result of my participation with the IU School of Education Jacobs’ Preservice Teacher Internship Award, my technology leadership thoughts have changed because I have realized not everything is improved by technology. Some things are better done in person. For example, personal connections/relationships are essential to authentic learning, and this is a challenge to obtain through a screen.

Resources:

1. Second Grade eLearning Lesson Plan

2. What Makes Good Instruction?

3. IU Jacobs’ Preservice Teacher Interns