EDLD+5363+Reflections

// What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned? // // 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? // // What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? // // Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? // // What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes? //
 * I honestly came into this class with such excitement because it was finally a class that interested me and I thought would focus on my learning a lot of new things I can do with technology. While I did learn a lot of interesting things about technology I feel the excitement was diminished by the constant changes in the course itself. Instead of looking forward to each week and wanting to get to work early so I could play around with whatever cool thing we were doing, I started dreading the week and waiting until the last minute to do anything because I was scared if I worked on something early the project requirements would change and I would have to redo my assignment. I did learn a lot, but I do not believe what I learned was due to the course outcomes. A lot of it was due to my unwillingness to let this class get me down and to fight through all the negativity that quickly surrounded this class. ||
 * Everything I have learned so far is extremely relevant to my job as a special education teacher. This school year I am teaching reading and I have already introduced my students to many of the tools I used and heard about within this class to allow them a chance to use them to do their book reports each six weeks. Every book I finish reading I do a book report on using a new and different technology tool so that they can see the many options available to them. The cool thing about using technology is that sometimes it means not having to write a paper, something my students are mostly unable to do. The kids have even come in after school in an effort to learn how to do some of the things I have shown them during class, it is really exciting to see them interested in doing a book report! ||
 * I was not able to focus on the teachings within this course because of all the "extra" distractions. It was very difficult to take anything seriously when it felt like nothing within the course itself was accurate. So, while usually I read everything and try to apply it to the best of my ability to all aspects of a course, this time I had to spend the majority of my time trying to decipher what was actually assigned each week, how it would be graded, what it entailed, which readings actually pertained to it, and how to go about getting it done while still trying to learn as much as possible. I think if this course had been more organized it would have been one of my favorites, due to the lack of continuity (except the continuity that everything changed each week), I feel this course was one of the most frustrating I have participated in. ||
 * For the most part I was very successful in regards to the course assignments. The most difficult aspect, as stated earlier, was the lack of organization and continuity within the course. I do feel that once I deciphered the actual assignment and learned what I was supposed to do each week I was very successful in completing the assigned tasks. I enjoyed having to do the podcast, even though I really hate what I sound like when I listen back to it! I also enjoyed the group project although I feel it was not given enough time to have been done as thoroughly as I would have liked. In talking to my group they seem to feel the same way, we could have done much more with it if we had only had just a little more time! ||
 * I learned that I can adapt within a changing environment, something that anyone involved with technology needs to be able to do. I also learned that I can take on a leadership role when needed, and take a backseat to someone else when they are in control. My attitude about technology, especially within the classroom, is constantly evolving with each course I take. This course opened my eyes to how narrow-minded teachers are about how we let our students do their assignments. Why do we require a written report for everything? Students are much more excited about trying new things, getting to use technology they love within a classroom, and seeing that the teacher is willing to do this as well. This class allowed me a chance to show my students some of the work I have been doing "at school" and they seem to really appreciate that I work all day and study at night, just like many of my students do in reverse. It really makes them see how dedicated I am to learning new ways to teach them and by seeing how open to suggestions about projects I am, it has allowed them to try to think outside the box on ways they can do their assignments. It really is exciting! ||