I think I have grown as a result of taking this class. Before I took this class, I did not know very much about computers and how to use the different programs. My knowledge was limited to Internet explorer and the basics of Microsoft word. One technological skill that I picked up from this class was learning how to better use Microsoft word. Previously I knew how to type a paper in a word document, however I was not aware of the other things that can be created throughout the program; such as word art. Another technological skill that I developed was using the program Nvu. Before taking this class, I did not know how to make my own website or eportfolio. After taking this class, I am now able to develop a website or homepage either using Nvu or google sites. Throughout taking this class, I feel as if I have become comfortable in using the program Nvu. I learned how to create new pages, create links, and upload pictures within the program. The program that I am not fully comfortable with is google sites. Because I chose to complete my assignments within Nvu, I did not get a lot of experience using google sites and feel as if there is more for me to explore within the program.

    I think that overall, taking this class is important. Taking this class, I have built on to my technological skills when using a computer. Building on these skills will also benefit me as a future teacher. Many of the programs we worked with can be used to integrate learning in the classroom. Some of the projects included: making a web quest, making a word search, creating an educational website, and creating educational brochures and handouts. All of these projects teachers can use to reinforce a topic that was already taught to the students. Also these are enjoyable ways for the students to learn and also give the students a chance to build on their technological skills.

    In the beginning of this course I was very frustrated when it came to uploading pictures into my Nvu eportfolio. I found that I would upload the pictures onto the page from a computer on campus, but when I checked the pages from my own computer, the pictures would not show up. I realized that I was not uploading the pictures correctly into Nvu because they were saved in an incorrect file. I found excitement in this class when I finally had a finishing product of a project and the links worked throughout my portfolio. The project that I was the most excited and proud of was the photo story project. My photo story was made up of pictures of my family and I am later going to include copies of my photo story in each of my family members Christmas presents. I liked how we could create this project any way we wished; therefore I could edit the pictures, effects, and music the way that I desired, to make it my own personal story.  

    Throughout this course, we have used both teamwork and individual work to complete the required projects. For most of the projects that were completed for this course required us to work individually, for example creating the word search. An example of when we used teamwork was to create the web quest. I feel that it is somewhat a challenge to work in a group to complete the projects. To create the web quests, each member in the group had to do a different section of the web quest. In order for everyone in the group to access the same site to edit and add their work to, we had to create a new account in google sites so we could all have access to the same site. I feel as if I personally learned more when working individually because it gave me a chance to explore the program I was working with and use creativity to create my own project. I think that if the teacher was to use group work for projects, such as a web quest or PowerPoint, the teacher should have the students split of the parts of the project equally and the teacher should grade the students on their individual work instead of an overall grade. Many groups may encounter problems if one of the group members does not do the part they were assigned.