Testimonials

Former teachers who completed the Program were asked to reflect on what they know as a result of completing the program that they did not know at the beginning of the program.

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I didn't know that someone who is highly into technology could take a simple class and actually learn something.

I didn't know that creating alternate assignment types was so easy and the pivot from traditional formative assessments to student-created media would be so simple.

I didn't know that this program would be as engaging as it was!

I didn't know that YOU CAN RECORD DIRECTLY IN CANVAS!!!! Seriously, this is going to be such a huge time saver going forward, thank you!

"I didn't know that..." I could learn so much about technology and that there were so many resources out there for me to use in the classroom. I'm going to be completely honest when I say that this class pushed me completely out of my comfort zone. There were MANY days that I wanted to give up, I cried, and I struggled with this class. I have never been good with technology unless it had to do with my direct career. This class has given me so many different tools to hopefully use in the next school year and help my students with their learning and make things easier and more fun for them to do.

I didn’t know that...this class was going to be as interesting as it was.  I initially thought much of the technology and ideas presented during the course was too similar to applications and ideas I was already familiar with, although I began to realize that there were alternatives to what I was already using. By using, or testing out, similar but different applications, I was able to see the potential of its use in my own teaching methods.  As the course progressed, I began to re-imagine how I was teaching with technology.  I have made efforts to develop an engaging, dynamic, and hands-on classroom, but now it is important to reconsider these ideas as I transition into potential online or hybrid realities in modern education.

I didn’t know that…there were so many diverse options for utilizing technology in the classroom. I had always been under the impression that we were on our own creating new content for our classes from scratch, as opposed to so many different templates and formats across the internet. This has opened up more options for us to reach as many of our learners, in person or online, as possible. "Computational Thinking" was also a concept with which I was unaware of, which allows me to look at the process of learning on a more binary level.

I didn't know that....There would be so many different pieces of technology that would actually be of use in my classroom.  Often times different programs, websites and resources work well in classes such as English, history, math, etc. but don't really work in a performing arts class.  I was really excited to learn about the number of different programs and/or ways to use technology that would be of use.  So many of the things that I learned about through this class would be perfect for character creation and analysis or theatre history.  I can't way to get ready for the new year and try out some of these things. 

I didn't know that there were so much to know about copyright, public domain, fair use, and open licensing. The district gives us very minimal training on it and how to use it generally, but there are definitely more information to know of the things that we can use. I found that downloadable PDF from this class very informative on the things I can physically copy, use, distribute in the classroom. I also got a better understanding of the legal, ethical, and socially-responsible use requirements placed upon teachers to keep students and my information safe and secure.

I didn't know that this course would teach me so many different techniques to keep my students informed and engaged in class. I was truly unaware of the vast amount of tools available that can be used everyday in class. I will definitely be using the Book Creator for future projects.

I didn't know that Canvas had so many easy-to-use functions and that there were many options in regard to recording audio/video for free online.  I wish I would have done this before or during the lockdown as I was trying to search and find programs for the students that would work on the Chromebooks.  I will be using these programs moving forward as students want options for recording projects.

I would rather start with I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I learned so much in this class. Coming from industry and not being formally trained as an educator, my major takeaways are the fundamental things in this course like SAMR and PICRAT. With that being said, so many of the tools used in this class can be fun to use in the classroom. I only knew of very few, such as Kahoot and Quizlet. So many are translatable into my subject area as a beginning to a module when touching on a new skill, like Yuja. Using these tools will make my class different daily and keep it from feeling stagnant from things like the dreaded “lecture with a boring slide show day today” vibe from happening.

I didn't know that I have a big responsibility to keep students competitive in the world with the use of technology in the classroom.  I kind of chalked it up to the Computer Science teachers to do that.  After learning about so many new (to me) programs and techniques, I feel I can use a few in my classroom and lessons.  I would like to incorporate Voki, BookCreator, FlipGrid, and Smore.  I am also going to adopt the technique of videotaping lab instructions and instrument usage so my students have access to them whenever they need them.  This would free up some of my class time so I can roam around see how the students are doing and interact with them instead of being stuck at my desk answering instruction questions.

I did not know that . . . there were so many different ways to use apps and programs in math that I thought would only be useful in a more language-based class like English or History. I have so many ideas I can't wait to use with my students. I think my students this year will find math a little more exciting and engaging. Thanks for all the new ideas!

I didn’t know that there were so many amazing programs to assist educators and engage students.  I have a Master’s of Science in Nursing Education, but all through my graduate program, we never discussed how you can make education, especially online education, so inclusive and enjoyable! My biggest concern with some of these programs is the amount of time it takes to get students familiar with them.  This means that I need to spend more time working with the programs that I like in order to be able to quickly help students get set up. 

I am leaving this class with an overwhelming amount of information, and my goal this summer is to sift through and see which programs will fit into the standards and curriculum that I must teach per the Nevada State Board of Nursing.  Most nursing programs still stand by the rule of “death by PowerPoint.”  This goes for nursing assistant programs and college level nursing programs.  Because I have these students for a full year, I have more time to experiment with different programs, versus more traditional nursing courses.

I didn’t know there was so much out there!! Teaching the subject I teach (EMT), technology isn’t really needed to meet the required standards. I could most definitely go old school with pen and paper to teach this class. With that being said, there are tons of programs out there to make my program more interesting and fun to learn as well as easier to teach and keep organized. I have learned several ways to integrate technology into my weekly lessons such as Padlet for check ins, Book Creator for our drug books that we traditionally did on paper, and video/voice recording could be a good way to give students feedback on patient assessments and skills stations. Thank you for the opportunity! I have learned a ton!

I didn’t know that some of the resources presented to us could be used in the manner we actually used them.  My biggest surprise was learning about assistive technology to help the visually impaired learn to program.  Now I want to write a grant to get Code Jumper for my classroom. Even though I do not currently have visually impaired students, it would be a good tool to engage even the most reluctant students.

I didn't know that there were so many new (or maybe not so new) applications out there to use with our kids and to use in our lesson planning!  I feel like I am a pretty technologically savvy person and keep up to date with things, but now I am rethinking that!  I really enjoyed learning so many of these apps and it has invigorated me to lesson plan.  I want to engage the kids more and not just use technology as a substitute for note taking or writing on paper.  Gamification was really interesting to me and creating that Pinterest board helped me learn several things. YuJa was one of my favorites as I teach tutorials a lot in my classroom and this will be an excellent addition to my lessons.  I created an entire website and ebook which I know I will use a lot.  The wordclouds were fun and I'm already thinking of classroom applications.  Thank you for a very interesting, engaging curriculum.

I didn't know that there were SO many digital engagement tools available that are free, easy-to-use, downright intuitive, and easy to sign up for. I always assumed with enough research and digging, I would be able to find some cool stuff. But this class has had me test out so many, and many of them, I was REALLY happy with. I could totally see my students using these in my classroom, and even using them in other classrooms to augment their work.

“I didn’t know that….”  I could have students create word art that focused on vocabulary pertinent to my class, could go out on a tour of the world and its forests, see things in 3D, and have an experience that is deeper than just talking about it, I learned that my students need to be more selective when creating content that will be carved, or lasered due to copyright laws. Finally, I learned that there is so much opportunity to engage students through the use of the multitude of websites that will and can help students find my class more engaging and exciting thus promoting better behavior and better attendance.

I didn't know that Pinterest was such a vibrant place to find teaching ideas. For some reason, I've always thought of it as a place for crafters to share ideas for projects. It is so useful to pin ideas to a board to keep the ideas you find on the internet organized and not lost and forgotten. I've always seen the value of tutorial videos, but did not realize screen recordings were so easy to make. The class took me out of my comfort zone with Google and showed me more engaging applications that are also free that will definitely level up the engagement in my classes. Honestly, technology shifts so fast that I have to work on being more on top of new possibilities to deliver content to my students. I didn't realize how creating projects with these apps creates a flow of thinking that makes you lose track of time. I definitely experienced that with the Wix site and I want my students to see school as a more creative place in the coming year. I really like the thought process and Coggle was a platform that I didn't know about to create cool mindmaps. I think this tool can help me guide students through the progressions of the modules I create and using Computational Thinking will really help students incorporate STEM thinking in my English classroom. Finally, I didn't know all the ways you could incorporate different modes of communication in the delivery of assignments. I really like how the course modules incorporated reading, writing, speaking, and visual elements to development understanding and creativity. I know I can be a much better online and hybrid teacher after experiencing this course.

I didn't know that computational thinking was a thing.  I've always done the principles behind it and have taught it as the design process or problem-solving but it was good to learn new terminology behind the concepts. 

I didn't know that there were website or apps that created word clouds.  I thought people were making the word clouds in Photoshop. I didn't know that it was so easy to create an online book.  I never tried it before but it was super easy and filled with many features by using Book Creator. I didn't know that wix.com was so user friendly.  Even if someone is not familiar with creating websites they can do it with a breeze on wix.com. I didn't know Smores existed.  It is definitely an easy and quick way to put together a fully functional newsletter for your class or club.

I didn’t know that there was a streamlined and formulaic way to process, analyze, and apply data in a way that works with so many subjects. Computational Thinking was a huge revelation for me and I feel that if I can break down lessons into what principles of CT we can use to help learning be more meaningful, in the long term it will make everyone’s jobs easier but also more efficient.

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Mojave High School Teacher:

I didn’t know that there were so many amazing ideas that I could learn in just a short amount of time. Adding all these amazing tools to my teacher toolbox is going to increase rigor and challenges for my students while encouraging engagement and creativity. I am so excited to start using many of the things I learned in this class with my students (some I already have). This was a great opportunity that I would encourage any teacher, regardless of subject, grade level, or expertise to take advantage of this good fortune.

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Green Valley High School Teacher:

I didn’t know that as scary as technology is, it would actually energize my teaching and inspire me to try new and creative ideas in my classroom.

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West Prep Teacher:

I didn't know that this class was going to give me so many tools that I can use to improve my students quality of education online. There are so many resources that are available to make learning more engaging and equitable.  I knew I didn't didn't know a lot but I didn't realize how much I have to learn and how important it is to incorporate as much as I can even when we aren't in remote learning.

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SE Career Technical Academy Teacher:

I didn't know that... I was so far behind in my ability to navigate the digital world. I was introduced to a myriad of different tools and techniques that will help me become a more innovative educator. This course has really opened my eyes.

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Indian Springs High School Teacher:

I didn’t know that there are proven ways to create and cultivate classroom culture in a virtual format. I was really glad to learn about ways to help engage my students while we are in distance education.

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Desert Pines High School Teacher:

I didn't know that I would become so frustrated but at the same time so motivated to learn and be able to share so many new ideas with my students and other colleagues. I have to admit I was ready to toss my technology a couple of times, but I am glad that I didn't. I learned so much from this course and I will definitely be using it within my classroom.

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NW Career Technical Academy Teacher:

I didn’t know that there were so many versatile and user-friendly resources available for students to use to help them create work products.  There are so many choices!  I love when students can choose their creative outlet for a project...provides them with ownership and pride in their work!  Now, I feel so much confident exploring new technology resources for my students.

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Findlay Middle School Teacher: 

I didn’t know that there were so many user-friendly technology resources available for teachers. I would always see things on Pinterest, YouTube, or in another teacher’s classroom and say to myself, “Oh I can’t do that” or “That must have be professionally done.” Now I know that if you take the time to learn, and practice with the technology, teachers can make technology their friend. To be honest, the first time I looked at many of these assignments I was extremely intimidated. But I completed them and was proud when I finished. I even taught a few friends how to use some of the technology resources! Thanks for a wonderful learning experience.  

Foothill High School Teacher: 

I didn’t know that educational technology encompasses so much more than software and hardware. It uses technology to facilitate learning and increases academic success with our students. I learned different ways to deliver information and move past my comfort zone of Microsoft Suite. (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher) Technology can improve teaching and learning. As I prepare for whatever next school year looks like, I will definitely be using many of the activities and websites we’ve been exposed to in all of my classes. Thank you... 

SE Career Technical Academy Teacher: 

I didn't know that they were so many online platforms that can help create an interactive class. With COVID, I was very anxious about how I would be able to create rapport and class culture with students via distance learning, but this course has opened my eyes to many possibilities and programs that I plan on using. Some of the programs I plan to possibly use are: Wix, Google Earth, Animoto, and FlipGrid. This course also taught me more about computational thinking. I have heard of the concept before, but could never really define it. Now, I feel that I have a better understanding of what it is and how it can be cross-curricular. Overall, this course is extremely informative and I am excited for my students to learn these concepts and skills as well! 

Spring Valley High School Teacher: 

I didn’t know that computational thinking existed.  I teach my students problem solving skills but I like the process presented in this class.   The readings in this class gave me a better understanding of how to teach students to look at their assignments as a problem.  Next year, I will be adding computational thinking to my class.  I also never thought about using Virtual Reality in Teaching and Training but this class gave me a few ideas. I plan on completing more research and hopefully adding virtual simulations that revolve around teaching to my curriculum. 

Shadow Ridge High School Teacher: 

I didn't know that...I could build a website.  I have tried in the past and failed miserably and just given up and hadn't tried again.  The Wix [website builder] was not as bad as I thought, and I really like the way it turned out and I will be using it this year.  I have enjoyed the class and I have learned a lot.  Now I need to go practice more so I can teach it to my students this fall. 

Coronado High School Teacher: 

I didn't know that students could have books read to them on Tumblebooks, and I wasn't familiar with the term computational thinking.  I've taken many technology courses in the past and it's never been mentioned.   I'm looking forward to teaching this course to my students.  Thank you for the support and content, Dr. Graziano. 

East Career Technical Academy Teacher:  

I didn’t know that the steps for computational thinking translated so seamlessly to so many other areas of learning; this is such a practical way of approaching and solving problems, making our students even more prepared for the future. 

Liberty High School Teacher:  

I Didn't Know That... I was surprised to learn how easily the methodology of computational thinking can be applied to all subject areas and even classroom environments with limited technology. I also didn't know how seamlessly the technology aspects of this course can fit under the larger umbrella of educational theory and practice. I had previously been concerned about the rapid rate of technological change and how applicable this course would be to our students, many of whom have several years to go before they have their own classrooms. I am pleased with the framework and excited to teach the course in the future. It melds the tech aspects with universal skills that can be adapted as technology marches on.