So, what have I learned over the course of....this course?
For starters, I have a blog now. I've actually set up another blog for exclusive use with my English 9 classes this coming school year. I hope to have students post assignments, questions, and responses on the blog, and hopefully I'll get them started on their own class blogs.
I've also learned to use quite a few new digital tools. I had always thought that Google Documents was a "pain in the neck," but I've learned just how convenient it really is. No more storing files in multiple places--it's just easier to upload all of my new documents to Google Docs and work on them from multiple places. I also got to know Microsoft MovieMaker well. Thanks to creating a slideshow for my infant son, friends and family have been asking me to create slideshows for them. I think I'll start a business!
Most importantly, I'm learning more about using the tools of the 21st century and applying them in my own classroom. As a digital immigrant, I am often intimidated by these new tools; however, I've grown more comfortable witih these newly acquired skills and I think that I might be a bit more savvy than I was before. I look forward to implementing my newfound knowledge and "showing off" to my colleagues!
Chris - I share some of these same thoughts at the completion of this course. I remember thinking that Google Docs weren't all they were cracked up to be, but now that I have had some practice I am very comfortable with them. I also have similar plans to use a classroom blog, and I hope that it becomes a tool for regular communication with parents as well as students. Have fun "showing off" your new stuff this fall!
ReplyDeleteChris,
ReplyDeleteI agree! Google Docs is incredibly convenient!! I plan on utilizing this from now on as well.
Jenny
I am so glad to hear that you are walking away from the class with easy tools to implement into your classroom next year. Good luck!
ReplyDelete