1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?
When I started this course, I did not know what to expect. I was a little concerned because I do not have any real formal training in technology. I knew that I was embarking on a journey that could prove to be very challenging. During this course, I did learn a few useful tools that I can immediately incorporate into my classroom. I am excited about returning in the fall and teaching my students how to use animoto in collaboration with their research projects. I believe the students will be eager to learn how to use this website. I realized it is also something that they can teach their parents. I also have many ideas for using the wordle. I want to create another animoto presentation and include a wordle. I want to make sure I am fluent so that I can effectively guide my students when it is time for them to create their presentations.
2. To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?
Mr. Lynd, the principal at Cedar Bayou Jr High, emails the Daily Bear to teachers every day. Sometimes, changes have to be made to the Daily Bear that requires Mr. Lynd to resend it. Consequently, many teachers complain that this is taking up too much space in their email account. I made recommendation to Mr. Lynd that he place the Daily Bear on a wiki. I explained how the wiki worked. I also noted that this would allow teachers of organizations to make their own changes, and teachers can access the information at their convenience. This solidified that fact that what I am learning is very relevant. I was able to take a tool I learned and immediately incorporate on my campus. Also, the knowledge gained during week four will be very useful as our students start their research projects in the spring. I am happy to share with my staff the copyright laws when it comes to technology because I’m sure they are not knowledgeable.
3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?
When I started this course, I did not have any expectations. My goal was to successful pass the class. So far, I am achieving my goal. I do feel there is still a lot to learn. I can say that I am the type of student who likes to be in a classroom setting. I appreciate it when a teacher is physically there to answer my questions. I understand that the classroom setting is changing, and online classes are a major part of that change. This class is helping to prepare me for a time when all classrooms may be virtual.
4. Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?
I am the mother of a rambunctious three year old and a curious nine month old. I travel approximately eighty miles, round trip, two and from work. I get off work at four pm and I do not make it home until after six. Many times, I do not have enough hours in the day to get everything. Done, there for something suffers. When I started this course, I knew scheduling would be a problem. I thought I had it figured out. I planned to do all of my school work during my conference/planning period at work. For the most part, I was successful with this plan. But, during week 2, I suffered a major setback. I had to attend a few unplanned meetings and I had to deal with a sick child. This made it difficult to get my work completed, so as a result, I failed that week.
5. What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?
During this course, I discovered that there many useful tools in the field of technology, that I can successfully incorporate into my classroom to make it more interesting for my students. The initial integration of this technology will be time consuming and challenging. But, once it is successfully incorporated and I am fluent in its use, I will provide my students with some of the skills they need to be prepared for the future. I also know that technology is a forever changing and expanding. Therefore, I have to be willing to continue learning and growing so that I will be current with the changing trends. At the present time, I know some pretty basic information. Am I fluent in the information I know? No, but I am willing and determined to improve my knowledge base so that I can effectively assist my students. I am excited about the path I am taking and I look forward to the new tools I will learn in the upcoming classes.
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