During this course, I developed my beliefs about learning with technology. Sharing these beliefs here allows me to share my growth in this area.

I believe that there are many ways to use the Internet for learning, and that teachers must take risks in order to be successful with the opportunities available.  During this course, I learned that using games can be a highly motivating and meaningful way to learn with the Internet, however, these games must be evaluated for effectiveness.  There are many principles which are used in games today that enhance learning.   It is essential for educators to evaluate games using these principles, to be sure that the game chosen is worthwhile, and involves more than simple recall tasks.  Using a game to learn with the Internet must be more than a "time – filler".  Educators must seek out the opportunities available, and then they must evaluate them for effectiveness and educational value.  I learned many other ways to use the Internet in my instruction. Some examples are Google "lit trips", Teacher Tube and Google Groups.  During this course, we discussed how it sometimes feels like taking a risk when planning an activity using the Internet. Taking risks may be difficult, but it is well worth it in the end.

Learning with the Internet is meaningful.  When students learn with the Internet, they are actively learning- manipulating their environment, and therefore they are engaged in their learning.  Students are also goal directed in their learning – and therefore their learning is Intentional.  This type of learning and assessment is authentic as well.  Research shows that meaningful and authentic tasks are better understood, remembered and transferred to new situations.  Using the Internet for meaningful learning is highly motivating.

I believe that the optimal way to learn using technology is to learn with technology rather than from technology.  There are two ways to learn using technology.  First, one can learn from technology.  This is learning using drill and practice, using the technology for simple tutorials and to teach a type of lesson. Essentially this is a supplement to a teacher directed lesson.  I believe that this is not optimal for success in using technology. Rather, it is much more meaningful and successful if one learns with technology.  There are many ways to learn with technology.  Using sites such as Google Earth and Wikispaces are two ways to use programs to learn with technology.  Our webinar was an excellent example of how to learn using technology.  During that webinar, I learned many ways to enhance learning using various Google tools.  Additionally, WebQuests are an excellent way to provide meaningful learning with technology.

As with all new things, often times, teachers are hesitant to try new things when using the Internet.  In my experience, many are willing to use the Internet to simply enhance their instruction rather than to create meaningful learning.  I learned throughout this course that one would never know what is available without taking that risk.