Project # 8: Reflection



I have definitely grown from this course, this course has let me learn and use new programs I never even knew existed. Computer classes are always a struggle for the teacher, making sure that everyone understands the new material being presented as well as staying on task.  It was a huge help to have Lindsay in my group for all of her projects.  She knew most of the programs we used, and if she didn't know the program she knew another one that would get the same job completed. She was able to show me how to do a everything from little simple things to large and creative things. The biggest technical skill I picked up and learned this semester was how to put a website together, and linking it correctly.  I had so many problems linking my pages together; it was very frustrating and found myself almost not caring, until Shufang Shi or Lindsay came to my rescue. I'm about 90% comfortable now with linking pages together; I think I finally got the routine down to a pat. I'm also very comfortable with Window's Movie Maker, Puzzle Project Maker and Nvu.  I have already used Puzzle Project Maker twice this semester, incorporating it into my lesson plans.  I have also started another Window's Movie Maker, which I am putting together for my family for Christmas. I found Nvu to be a lot easier for me then Google sites. So I will continue to stick with Nvu from now on. I would eventually like to learn how to work google sites, but not at the moment! This has been one of the most rewarding courses I have taken at Cortland, I saw this because I think it is important as a future teacher to make your own website.  This will allow your new students and their families to get some background knowledge of their teacher, and possible content that will be taught during the year.  I think it is extremely important to know how to make a website, especially since we are so technology orientated now a day.
In this course we did both individual work and group work. The only project was I didn't need any assistance from the teacher or the other students in this course were the Puzzle Maker project.  I’m usually good with working with websites and puzzlemaker.com was an easy website to work with. For the majority of my other projects I worked with a group of 3 other students including Lindsay, Eileen, and Katie.  Since Lindsay was familiar with most of the programs she did an excellent job making our web quest and our elementary school website creative and spectacular.  Since the others in our group were not as familiar with the program we looked up most of the information needed to be put into each project.  I feel working in small groups is a great idea for a computer class.  There are always students who know a lot about the different programs, those who know nothing, and those who know some.  Mixing the different abilities in each group will allow the stronger students to show the weaker students what they need to know in order to learn the material.
Overall, I found this class to be extremely helpful.  I am also very excited to now know how to use Window's Movie Maker, I absolutely enjoyed this project the best, and like i mention above I have already started another project using the program. I want to thank Shufang Shi for her patience and positive attitude throughout this class.  You have done a great job keeping us all on track!

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