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Summer break was fast approaching, I was really excited to take courses in technology to broaden my scope of educational tech tools. I decided to register for TCH 401 and TCH 432. I started the courses well and I was up to task. Couple weeks following I was so busy with my summer job. Combining the two courses with my job was not very fun but I was determined to make it and end the courses successfully. My motivation to finish the courses was seeing the projects I was doing with new tech tools and how helpful it will impact my language teaching the coming school year, so I did not give up.

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Taking TCH 401 introduced me to a lot of tech tools I had not used before. Even though most of these tools were easy to navigate, some were somewhat difficult to use which makes it very frustrating but once you are able to figure out how they are used, it is interesting. Some of the tools I tried which are new to me were, Canva, Smore, Quizizz, Polleverywhere, ExplainEverything, Google Classroom, Prezi, Coogle, Bubbl.us, Padlet, Slide Rocket, Haiku Deck, Popplet and many others. Most of these tech tools had a free version which made it accessible You have to schedule a demo for tools like Slide Rocket before you will be able to use it so I decided not to explore it into details because easy use and time maximization were one of my determiners for which tool to use.

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While exploring multiple tech tools, I noticed that each of them have a specific function which targets a specific outcome. As a novice language teacher as well as a language student, I realized that Tools such as PollEverywhere, Quizizz, ExplainEverything, Voice Thread could be used in the language classroom which will foster class participation and collaboration. The objective of a lesson determines which tech tools to incorporate in the lesson.

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Taking TCH 401 enlightened my knowledge on how both teachers and students can maximize the use of tech tools in the language classroom to improve teaching and learning. One key concept that drew my attention was the need to combine the flipped classroom approach with interactive tech tools which will transform the traditional way of teaching and learning and also promote student participation and collaboration.

Teachers can post learning materials, videos, etc. for students to read or watch at their own time and pace before coming to class, promoting student autonomy. This will enable students have an idea of what will be taught in class. It will also promote maximum student preparation before class. There will be enough class hours used for more practice and collaborative exercises using interactive tech tools such as Quizizz, PollEverywhere, Padlet, etc. Teachers will be spared the headache of spending a lot of time explaining new lesson concept to students who have no idea of what the lesson is all about.

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Taking TCH 401, enabled me to develop a personal learning network which will help me in my educational journey. I urge all learners to create a personal learning network to improve themselves.