When I took the first MTT class, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I have to admit that I thought we were going to concentrate on computer science coursework or technology that was really difficult to manipulate. After the first meeting I realized that we were going to learn how to incorporate technology into our school/classroom environment. The first class was an Introduction to teaching and learning with technology. I learned all the basics of technology and how I can use technology in my environment. My situation is different because I work in a Montessori school. In Montessori it is rare to use technology but I have come to appreciate it and use it to the advantage of my students. I also learned about Assistive Technology and will never forget how important technology is to students who need it in the classroom.
In the second class, we learned to manipulate Multimedia. At the time it seemed as if this class was hard because we had to produce a lot of Multimedia for projects but as I look back, I am grateful to have had this class. I learned to create movies, audio and a website. I discovered SoftChalk and I absolutely love it! I made a movie from Windows Movie Maker and I am happy that we use this footage during open house at our school. I also created a brochure using Microsoft Word on the importance of Pre-school and now we use this brochure to give to new parents inquiring about our Montessori school.
The third class dealt with Instructional Assessment using technology. In Montessori we are big on Portfolios but as this class continued on I understood the impact of technology on assessment. Our assessment was always written and collated. Now, I have the knowledge to use technology to create digital portfolios which is really helpful. Assessment and technology can go hand in hand brilliantly and now I am incorporating technology into creating my student’s portfolios.
I am now taking the final class, which deals with Professional development. I created a Professional Development Plan to impart my knowledge on the incorporation of technology into the Montessori environment. I am hoping my colleagues come away with the knowledge of the importance and impact of technology in Montessori. In this class we were also asked to be a mentor to someone. I have never mentored anyone in my life so I was quite nervous about this but my colleague was very patient and understanding and she let me “teach” her what I know about Microsoft Word and creating language cards on this program. I’ve also noticed that ever since my colleagues knew I was taking a course on technology that they would ask my help on things “technological” and they have been and it’s been fun sharing my ideas and knowledge on how to integrate technology with the Montessori curriculum.
Before I started the course I was a Montessori Teacher. Now I’m an MTT: Montessori Technology Teacher!
