Final reflection

 

Final reflection

    This course has been an incredibly insightful journey that has shaped my understanding of both teaching and learning, as well as the role technology plays in modern education. Initially, I had a general understanding of how to design assessments and evaluate students, but I had not fully appreciated how technology could transform these processes. Throughout the course, I've learned how to incorporate various digital tools into my teaching strategies, which has allowed me to create more dynamic, interactive, and effective lessons. 

    When we began, I knew the basics of organizing assessments, but I had not explored all the possibilities technology offers in this area. Over time, I realized that it’s not just about measuring student performance through traditional exams or assignments. Instead, it’s about creating multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning through diverse and engaging methods. I’ve learned that the best way to evaluate a student’s progress is through continuous assessment, which not only reduces the pressure on students but also allows them to improve progressively. This is why I designed an evaluation that focuses on all key language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—giving students multiple chances to prove their abilities throughout the course. The allocation of specific percentages for each skill and subcategory ensures that every student is assessed fairly, without feeling overwhelmed by one final exam. It also enables me to better track their progress and provide constructive feedback at various stages of the learning process.

    One of the most important things I’ve learned during this course is how to leverage technology to enhance both the learning experience and my ability to assess students. Tools like Quizlet and Genially have revolutionized how I create lessons. For example, Quizlet's digital flashcards and repetition system have been an effective tool for reinforcing vocabulary, while Genially has allowed me to design visually stimulating lessons that foster engagement through interactive elements. These tools have shifted my teaching approach from a more traditional, passive method to one that is much more dynamic and engaging. By incorporating these resources into my teaching, I’ve seen how technology can actively involve students in their learning journey, encouraging them to think critically and engage creatively with the content. 

    Another key takeaway for me has been the importance of creating an environment where students can actively participate in their education, rather than just passively receiving information. Technology plays a crucial role in this, especially tools like Genially, which allow students to interact with the material in a way that’s both engaging and educational. When students are actively involved in tasks, such as exploring interactive lessons or making choices about their learning, they develop essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. This approach not only keeps students engaged but also encourages them to take ownership of their learning, which is crucial for fostering a sense of autonomy and confidence.

    Through this course, I’ve also come to understand the critical role of feedback in student learning. I believe that continuous assessment, when paired with targeted feedback, is key to helping students improve. By giving students timely feedback, I’m able to address their strengths and weaknesses throughout the course, ensuring that they are constantly evolving and refining their skills. However, as much as I value this approach, I realize that the feedback I provide must be personalized and specific, rather than generic. By identifying particular areas of improvement, I can help students focus their efforts on specific skills that need attention, which leads to better outcomes overall. Additionally, introducing elements like self-assessment and peer evaluation could foster more collaborative learning and further support individual growth.

    Another major aspect of this course has been learning how to effectively use Excel for managing and analyzing student data. When I first started using Excel, I knew it was a tool that could help me organize data, but I didn’t realize just how much it could streamline my work. Excel has allowed me to efficiently manage grades, apply weighted assessments, and track student progress over time. This has saved me a considerable amount of time, enabling me to focus on refining my teaching methods rather than spending time manually calculating grades. The ability to generate graphs and tables has also helped me visualize students' performance, identify trends, and quickly pinpoint areas that need improvement. While Excel has been invaluable in organizing data, I’ve also learned that it requires careful structuring to avoid errors. A well-organized spreadsheet is essential for ensuring accuracy and clarity, which is crucial when dealing with large amounts of student data.

    Reflecting on my initial Personal Learning Environment (PLE), I can see how much it has evolved throughout this course. In the beginning, I organized my PLE into five color-coded groups, each serving a specific purpose. The green group contained social apps like Instagram and WhatsApp, which I use for entertainment and communication, but I also realized that these tools can help me stay updated on educational trends and new resources. The red group was dedicated to UPNA resources, which provide me with quick access to university platforms. In the purple group, I initially had tools like Canva and Quizlet for preparing educational materials, but I expanded this section by adding new tools such as Wordwall, Educaplay, Scratch, and Google for Education. These additions have enriched my teaching environment, providing me with even more resources to create interactive and engaging lessons. The pink group, which contains dictionaries like WordReference, has remained essential for my language learning, while the blue group—dedicated to work and organization—now includes tools like Google Sheets and Excel, which have significantly improved my ability to manage data and tasks.

    This course has also given me a deeper understanding of how technology can support inclusivity in the classroom. Tools like Quizlet and Genially allow me to provide differentiated learning experiences that cater to students' individual needs, whether they prefer visual learning, auditory learning, or kinesthetic experiences. By providing multiple ways for students to engage with content, I can ensure that all students, regardless of their learning style, have the opportunity to succeed.

    In conclusion, this course has not only helped me refine my skills as an educator but also deepened my understanding of how technology can be integrated into teaching practices to create a more engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environment. I now feel better equipped to incorporate digital tools into my lessons, assess students more effectively, and provide them with the feedback and resources they need to succeed. The course has shown me that the key to being a successful teacher is adaptability—being able to use a combination of traditional and innovative tools to meet the needs of every student. Technology, when used thoughtfully, can enhance the learning experience and help empower students to take control of their education. I feel confident that the skills and tools I have learned in this course will enable me to create dynamic and engaging lessons that foster a positive, inclusive, and student-centered classroom environment.

Image created with artificial intelligence.