I was very excited to start the Educational Technology Program but I was really unsure what to expect. The first class, Concepts of Educational Technology, I really only expected to talk and learn about some of the ways that teachers can use technology in the classroom. When I say some of the ways, I expected to do a lot of reading and learning of the terminology of the technology world. My perceptions of what I was going to learn were a bit different from what I expected, which was great but I though I would maybe get a little more of the technical side. I learned technology terminology but more from an educators point of view. The articles that I read really helped me look at educational technology in a new way. Up into this point I was all about finding ways to incorporate technology in a lesson. The class had a hand on approach to introduce technology in the classroom and I felt that this provided a better outlook on how I can use the tools in the classroom better than reading activities in a book. The coursework activities far exceeded what I expected to learn at the beginning of this program.
The material I learned in class helped me put into perspective what I should be asking my students to do. I know that I can improve in all areas but I feel with time I will improve. I have gained enough knowledge to feel comfortable allowing my students to explore blogs and wiki in a classroom setting. I am not currently in a classroom setting but I feel that I am prepared to integrate technology within the classroom where the student will definably benefit and learn. I will be researching some websites to find blogs and social networking that will allow monitoring of post. I know that there is so much out there that my future student and I can benefit from and taking this technology class has really open up my eyes to the possibilities of an engaging technology infused classroom.
I really look back and wonder how I was able to complete some of my assignments. I have not gotten my wiki to look like I would like but I am working on improving the appearance. Time is definitely the main factor for my lack of fully creating and structuring my wiki and blog. I know that although my wiki and blog name was a little generic time absolutely paid a factor in creating them. I really hate that I could devote the time I would like to improving and really just focusing on developing my work. Time is not lost! Although I did get everything like I would have liked, I am going to continue on and improve as I go along. The hands on activity in completing the task were well worth the time. This is only the first class and I have so much more to learn I am sure that the end result will be more than I have imagined.
I was successful in carrying out all but two of my assignments. Now that I look back theses assignments did not include a lot of information but I have been so overwhelmed with other issues that they took away from the time that I needed to complete the assignments. I will still complete the assignments but I had to prioritize what was more important at the time and my family matters more. I really want to complete the program in a timely manner but having to attend to family is my priority at this time. Upon starting the program I was ready for a lot of assignments but I was not prepared for an internship. I really wish I had found out more before starting. I know at this time since I am not in a school and often work long hour that competing an internship at a campus or other site is not an option. I would like to network with some of the schools near my home but again timing is a factor.
All in all I will say that the course was a success for me. I learned how to use tool through Google. I learned how I can set up my own blog and I also learned how to create a wiki. The wiki tool was something that I was introduced to about two years ago but I was never able to figure out how to actually complete one myself. The course also helps me to classify why students today seem so different from when I was a student. The digital natives have a total different way of learning that I plan on infusing myself into the culture so that I can ensure that my students are learning lessons for lifelong learning. I know that my technology skills are not at the top of the scale but I am capable of teaching, monitoring and accessing student using technology. At times it was stressful trying to work and complete assignments but I so happy that I have started the process that I can wait till June 2013 when I can look forward to helping others utilize educational technology.
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