Course Reflections

This course has allowed me to grow in many areas. To begin, I now have a better idea of how to integrate into my classroom, the new web 2.0 tools, that I have learn about in these courses. I learned a lot about the tools in the last course, however, this is the course where I made the conscious effort to select projects and topics that allowed me to really use these tools with my students. Because of this, I truly discovered the benefits of using new technologies with my others. I learned a lot by integrating the websites created in this course. This gave me the opportunity to see how other teachers and my students respond to technology. I am excited by their responses and now believe technology can be used with a variety of people, all on different levels. I have adopted the new belief of, "If I can do it, so can you."

Also, It is important for me to stretch as I am placed in uncomfortable situations dealing with technology. Some of the assignments put me in the "learner of new content" department. I have many students who are dealing with this situation every day. It is my job to help them through these situations. I am better able to do this when I experience the same feelings they do as they travel through the learning process. I was very happy that my peers, some who have a strong computer, writing or researching background humbly worked along side me through these projects. This reminds me that my students need to work with others as much as possible. I am also reminded that I need to instill in each team member a team spirit.

The most important goal I have is to get others excited to use computers and technology resources for the "right reasons" in the classroom. I am very blessed to be able to take these courses and really want to share with those around me that computers are not so scary. I have had many opportunities to do this during this course, and for that I am thankful. I also appreciate the effort and skill of the teachers throughout this course. Every step of the way they were there for us, encouraging and helping. It is teacher like this that help all of us be better and more thoughtful while dealing with each individual student we may meet.

Call me crazy, but I have already started my new TechQuest on Wikis. I have a few other topic I want to make websites for, and Wikis is one of them. Another thing I have learned from this class is, while searching on the internet, one resource leads to another. I had so much fun doing my "blog resource for teachers" that I want to continue my exploration and see what I can learn more about wikis.