Class Reflections

1. I have learned so much, and when it is listed, it looks like even more. I was not even aware of the possibilities of Google Docs, Spreadsheets, and Presentation. The fact that it saves all of your work upon exiting really sold me. I am also a new fan of blogging, podcasting, and videocasting. Our podcasting project was surprisingly fun, and it is a great idea, as is blogging and Comments4Kids, for the classroom.Twitter is also very new for me. I am still learning what all it has to offer. Along with YouTube, Personal Learning Network, and communicating with other students and teachers outside of my region, I have found new ways to use these tools to my advantage. I never knew YouTube could have such helpful and educational videos. This is also the case with iTunes and iTunesU, although I am still not sure if I am a fan of iTunesU yet. I have yet to discover the benefits iTunesU can offer. Adding pictures and images to the blog has been a new lesson for me. I am glad I learned how to do it. Not only will all this help me grow as a professional, but so will ACCESS, ALEX, and Delicious. I will also be able to use Google forms and data bases to keep my classroom organized. If I ever need to refer back to these topics, I can always visit Foliotek. These tools and programs have truly made me more tech literate and will help be better my future school.

2/3. With all of the above been said, I do not think it is anything I would have liked to learn that I didn't. When entering this class, I did not expect to have learned so much. I can only hope to retain everything.

4. To a certain extent, yes, this class did excite me. At times though, I can say it was bit frustrating. With all of this being very new to me, sometimes it felt like it would be to much for me to actually learn from it. This class has taught me how to better manage my time and to only focus on present assignments. I spent most of this semester worried about what was to come next month and this showed itself not to be a good trait.

5. I would say all of the lessons, at first, appeared to be intellectually challenging. This was only because I was afraid of technology and scared of the outcomes. Now I can say I can face some problems with a better attitude.

6. If there was one thing I would change about this course, it would be the workload. It can become a bit challenging when taking 5 other classes.

7. I consider myself to be on a some what good level as far as being technologically literate. It could use much improvement. Now when I sit in front of a computer I am not easily intimidated. I read instructions more carefully and take my time when following them.

8. To improve my skills I will work with programs more often and also try new ones. Any courses that are offered for teachers, I will enroll. I know my technological literacy will determine how smooth my classroom will run. It is up to me to stay moderate.

Goodbye for Now

Wow, I can't believe it is over. I have learned so much from this class and from my classmates. I wish all of you a successful career as an educator. It is up to us to make learning fun and exciting for our students. I hope to one day work with all of you again. I know if we take the many skills we have learned, we will see each other at the top.

Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators adn Student Statewide (ACCESS)

ACCESS is a program designed to help connect teachers and students to classrooms statewide. The state of Alabama, through this website, provides high quality learning in order to improve student achievement. It is also involving students and teachers in technology. ACCESS also provides educators with the opportunity to participate in online workshops and communicate with other ACCESS teachers. ACCESS appears to be similar to taking online courses here at the University, but with a little more to offer. It is a great tool for adults and high school students alike to further their education, while learning exactly what we are learning in this course: YOU MUST BE TECHNOLOGICALLY LITERATE.
TO CHECK OUT THIS SITE, CLICK HERE

Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX)

Alex is a resourceful website set up by the state of Alabama to help their educators. It is not only for teachers, but also for students and administrators. ALEX is a tool that allows all aspects of the school to get involved. The first thing to catch my attention on this website was the lesson plan and podcasting sections. For teachers beginning their career, ALEX will be the perfect place for them to start. I am really excited to work with programs like this, for I know I will need as much support as I can get.

I am surprised, but excited, to see a professional learning section on this website. If this class has taught me anything, it has taught me that I can not do this on my own. The more people realize this, the better our education system will become. I am so excited to start expanding my personal and professional learning network. ALEX is a great start for all educators.

My Personal Learning Network

Although my personal learning network is not as big as I would like for it to be, it has grown. At the beginning of the semester I was not even aware of what a personal learning network was. But now I have one and still working to expand it. After taking EDM 310, I have made connections with Dr. John Strange, LaNadia Patrick, and Catherine Bryars. I hope to one day be able to receive professional guidance from Dr. Strange, and share collaborate ideas with LaNadia and Catherine. I also hope to have professional connections with educators outside of the United States. I have always thought it interesting to see how different education is in other countries, or if it was all alike. As I start my career, I hope to gain a huge and helpful learning network.

Project 11

Summary Of Comments4Kids

I really enjoyed participating in Comments4Kids. I think it is a great way to expose children to new things. As a future educator, it was also a learning experience for me.