learning all i can

It is so hard to believe that this course is almost over. I have learned so much! Of course, I’ve been frustrated a few times as well, but that is to be expected and is a natural part of learning anything. I definitely think the world is changing for our students. In fact I think in a few years time, teachers who taught just a few years ago won’t even recognize schools today. These students live in a high-tech world and they need to learn in that same environment. I am so appreciative of Woodward for supplying so much technology and more importantly for providing the training for that technology. Everyone in the IT department is so incredibly helpful, and that has been the key to our success in integrating any new technology.

The question of how we can teach students to be responsible and effective users of these tools is a very important one. I certainly don’t know the answer, but I know that we have to figure it out and soon. It will definitely involve a joint effort from the school, home and the students themselves. I think sometimes we just assume that they won’t make the right decisions and then they live up to that assumption. And another thing that schools tend to do is punish the group for the actions of a very few. Perhaps we could come up with a more creative way to teach and discipline responsible behavior of technology. Whatever the method, the more practice the better.

To explain what tools I found most helpful will be hard. I found so many to be very valuable. I will probably definitely keep my Pageflakes page going as I like the organization it provided. Googledocs will be excellent for departmental uses as well as personal use. For my students, I plan to use podcasting as I can see many areas for the Social Studies that that would enhance – lots of projects and assignments come to mind. I enjoyed learning Animoto, Bubbleshare and Rock You as well and will definitely utilize them for student benefit.

This has been a great and productive course. Thank you, Shelley, for all of your wisdom, help, and most importantly your patience!