Reflection #8

This is the best reflection to write, the last blog post graded.  I have enjoyed just about everything from this class.  Some of the assignments were extremely challenging and I try to be a perfectionist, so using technology for the first time and not instantly being a pro is very stressful to me.  I don't necessarily qualify as a digital native because I did have 110 and 35 mm film for my camera as a child.  I grew up in a home that always had a computer, I cannot ever remember being without a computer.  I remember the tv commercials showing the business man ordering flowers for his wife on the "internet" and it seemed like it took many years for people to actually believe you can buy something on a computer.  I also remember setting up my very first email account, AOL, my sophomore year in high school ('97) and from 2000 on I have been submersed in digital everything.  Today, my own home has 4 computers, an Ipad, Ipod, Iphone, digital camera and so on.  All that to say, these items have really advanced the users.

I believe the favorite item for me has been the podcasts.  It took me while to figure it out, but when I did...I feel in love with that technology!  It is brilliant to share assignments, notes, step-by-step in structions without repeating yourself 100 times in a day.  I will definately continue to use podcasts as both educational tools for lectures and reinforcement and organizational tools for students.  I also like this blog and the kidblog for students.  I did also like the google sites and I plan on incorporating a class website to share with students and parents, however it will take additional navigation to master that.  The instructions are not user friendly and many items seem to have you working in circles.  I can see how wonderful this would be as a tool for communication though.  My biggeset change will be to continue to challenge myself to grow and learn new things in technology.

I do believe I will continue to use my blog.  I have had another personal blog for a while before the class blog and I enjoyed sharing information with my followers, however it was difficult to think of topics to write about.  I will keep it education centered and while I somewhat want to share my personal beliefs about teaching in Texas, I am not sure to what extent I will share my opinions. 

I have very much enjoyed ETEC 524!




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