Weiyang Liu

I believe that a successful teacher does not impart knowledge, but motivate students to learn. I believe that learning will be enhanced if learners have motivation towards the learning targets. That’s why I incorporated technology into teaching to stimulate learners’ motivation. For example, in my previous writing courses, I engaged wiki to encourage students to create their own homepages and published their writing works.  By using the technology tools, they were more willing to write compositions and make comments to each other. And, in one of my speaking class, I designed webquest activities to motivate classroom learning. With the implement of technology, students were more likely to react with a positive attitude towards the learning goals, and more improvements had been observed in the learning outcomes.

As I studied more professional knowledges related to teaching and learning, I had deeper understanding about technology integration. I believe that technology can empower teaching and learning. As learners are getting more familiar and comfortable with technology, they pay more attention to the learning goals, and the use of technology becomes nature and embedded in the learning process without much attention. As a results of technology integration, there will be less boundaries between formal and informal learning. Learners can observe knowledges and improve specific skills anytime in anywhere. Personalized learning could be one trend in the future education.

In order to keep in steps with the new technology age, I need to update myself with the technology pedagogies and seeking for opportunities to practice the teaching methods. For example, I need to keep in mind of UDL principles while design instructional plans for students. Because I think UDL principles (eg.provide multiple means of representation, expression and engagement) are helpful in guiding teachers to provided personalized learning environment for students. In order to achieve the technology integration, I need to be more familiar with the technology tools and ISTE standards. Because it is important for teachers to know how and why to use technology in meaningful ways to make technology integration happen. In order to create personalized learning environments, I need to take account of learners needs, pay more attention to their digital age learning experiences, choose the suitable community or learning platforms based on the learners’ comfortable level and attitudes, and convey the idea of making use of the learning materials for lifelong learning.