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?
I envisioned learning what it means to utilize technology to enhance the level of education to allow students to learn in every capable way they can. Also how to implement technology in ways that people haven’t envisioned it being used and what I learned far exceeded my expectations. In reading Teaching Kids with Tools They Really Use I learned about was to implement certain technology tools that I hadn’t envisioned using them. The outcomes of this course for me were exceptional in the fact that through research and reading I was allowed to view technology in a different light. The course really broke down the different concepts of technology by teaching me how to use wiki and blogs, without this course I really don’t think I would have every set up either of these networks. I have a new found respect for technology and the possibilities it will bring in reaching out to educate students.
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?
Every aspect of this course fell in line with my vision of the course. I most definitely use technology in my classroom and this course just increases my knowledge of technology at ways it can be used effectively. With a group of three year olds it can be challenging finding things to keep them interested in learning. I use YouTube to its fullest by finding educational videos such as the Hip Hop Alphabet and other educational sources. This course showed me the importance of stepping up what is currently being done in order to reach the 21st Century goal, we allow students to utilize computers with educational programs but would limit them because of their age and what I really learned is that they are never too young to start pushing them to learn all they can about technology. There are certain skills they can learn with the right tools; giving them the opportunity to problem solve and explore opens the door up for questions that will lead them further into what technology has to offer.
3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?
The Key components of the Texas Long Range Plan is an outcome I wish I would have learned more about, I am familiar with it and know what it was developed for but if I was asked to explain the plan with someone I couldn’t do it and feel confident in doing it. This outcome was not met by my standards because I didn’t get a chance to spend as much time as I would have liked learning it due to the demands of the course. This is one component of the class that I will spend some free time reading and learning so well that I would be able to explain every aspect of the plan. The assignments were very challenging but I managed to complete each assignment in a timely manner. There were a lot of things within the class that I have heard of but had never utilized, I am glad that this class challenged me and made me step out of my comfort zone to explore the possibilities of technology.
4. Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?
I feel that I was successful in carrying out the course assignments but at times while working on the assignments I felt like I was either missing something or not understanding something and this was very frustrating. This class was really a challenge I had to commit to working on some part of the assignment on a nightly basis or I wouldn’t have made it. The most challenging part of the class for me was working on the internship plan, in working with children I am required to come up with activities to go along with themes in the class but in sitting down and trying to come up with activities that parallel with the standards I drew a blank and really had to use my site mentor just to talk things over with and that was a great big help. I am dedicated to giving my all in being successful in this course and others, if not I have no one else to blame but myself.
5. What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?
I learned that technology use far exceeds what we use it for in our daily lives. Technology is the future and we must embrace everything about technology if no we will get left behind. Educators can’t just depend on the average tools to teach they have to move forward with all advancement. About myself, I learned that I am not a quitter, even though I wanted to throw in the towel and give up, my inner voice kept telling me not to give up because what I am doing know will pay off in the future. My technology and leadership skills are good but I learned that they need improvement especially where technology is concerned. I need to learn all I can about the current uses of technology and build from there. My attitude about technology and its use has always been positive; I enjoy learning about and using new technology in the classroom.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Web Conference 2/16
Participated in the last Web Conference for the class on Thursday, February 16, 2012 in which I was well informed of the upcoming activities. Mrs. Borel talked about what is expected of us to complete this course and also uploaded the PowerPoint from the conference on the class blog, which reiterated what she explained. It was explained to us about the Internship Plan and the expected completion date, posting it on our wiki as well as uploading it to our TK20 along with the Principals Competencies Chart. I really enjoyed the conference because it gave me the opportunity to meet some different members of the class and put names with faces, also there is always someone who will ask a question that you didn't think about that will help you in completing a task. I look forward to the rest of the program.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)