Final
Reflection:
I entered this class doubting that
there was much more I needed to know about computers in order for me to
be more successful as a teacher. I was proven wrong quite quickly,
though. This class has taught me about many helpful programs that I
previously had no idea existed such as Nvu and Photo Story 3 for
Windows. It has also helped me to expand my current knowledge with
programs such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Publisher. I learned many
things that I feel will be helpful and valuable once I become a
teacher. I can now help my students become even more successful with
their ever advancing technological skills. One of my favorite things I
learned through this course was how to create a Photo Story as well as
how to create a Webquest for my classroom.
Although this
class was fun, there were many difficulties that I encountered as well.
I learned that if you are not careful with linking things or if you
don't follow the correct procedures for adding pictures, your patience
will definitely be tested. This class required both individual and
group work. Although my projects were created by me individually, I was
constantly asking my fellow classmates for help regarding one issue or
another. We completed this project as a class and were always willing
to help one another when we found something to be difficult. I really
liked that we had the option of working individually or with other
students on some of the projects. As a teacher I have decided that I
will allow my students to choose between these options as well because
I know that at times it can be frustrating working alone or with a
group where the work is not shared evenly.
Overall, I feel
that this was a very helpful course that will help me in my future
endeavors to make my classes challenging but also fun for my students.
I now feel that I properly know how to incorporate technology into my
classroom in an effective, yet fun manner. Although I am finished with
this course, I will never stop the learning process that comes along
with using technology. Just now as I was typing up this reflection, the
program encountered an error and was forced to close. By doing so, I
lost all of my work because I failed to remember that I should have
saved half way through. I guess I will never stop learning the tricks
that come along with working with computers!