One word: Amazing! This is the best way for me to convey the journey through Dr. Walls' 23 Things. The amount of content and the ability to self explore have placed this class in my top two favorite classes of all time. The information provided through this blog experience has both influenced me and educated me on how I may be most effective in reaching the students of today. In fact, I am already using some of the tools in tutoring my own daughter. Although upon initial glance, she was dismayed... she now has fun learning and expanding her horizons. Anytime you can make learning fun vs. tedious, students are sure to listen.
Throughout this journey, there have been several components that will be influential in my growth as an educator, such as Google Reader/Google Blog Search; Flickr, Mash-ups and Tag Maker; Zoho Writer; Pageflakes, My Stickies and Del.ic.ious. I really could continue on as there are so many components that are useful throughout this learning experience. Until this class, my thinking has remained creative, but conventional. Now I can actually provide my creativity with a technological playground to thrive, while providing experiences for students that are both engaging and informative.
I honestly have only one issue with this entire learning experience, and it really has nothing to do with the program. The issue instead, pertains to me. At the beginning of this journey, I accepted a new position with a university in Kentucky that made time management a challenge. For this reason, I got a bit behind in maintaining consistency in reflecting on ideas. Once I got started though... I simply could not stop. I would spend hours captivated by the various concepts and really drilling down through the information and resources provided. On the flip side, the only improvement I can think of is to actually make the experience longer. You know that you have a great product when students are asking for more work!
Going forward, I plan to continue using the tools mentioned above along with many others. In fact, I am currently working with Animoto to create Christmas gifts for those "hard to buy for" family members. Google Reader will be my main tool for staying abreast of new technologies and resources as I have registered to follow various Web 2.0 sites/blogs, including the Learning 2.1 Blog. For the first time, I truly feel empowered to reach students of all levels. The desire has always been there as I am very passionate about influencing new generations to be successful, and I want to empower them to make a difference in the lives of others. Now I feel that I have a tool box and collaborative professional pool to ensure successful delivery of ideas and concepts to future generations. Together, we will all make a positive difference in the lives of others!
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Hey, speak for yourself, Rawls! This student would not like any more work.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I admire your commitment and work ethic. I think those qualities will serve you well in the teaching profession, and you will be a credit to our program.
Which is good, because the program's rep is going to need a boost if they graduate me. ;)
I would have to agree with Eddie on the more work comment. I certainly would not need any more work from this course. I was slammed by all the work we already have with this class. There is no way as a full time teacher, a part time student, a person who needs to work a part time job to pay for this class, and the father of a two year old that I could have taken any more work.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side, I do have to agree that I did learn a lot, but I wish we either had more time to learn it, or a little less to cover so i could have gone in to more detail with my learning.