I have learned so much this semester in class that I am having trouble trying to write about it all. This whole semester I was looking forward to creating a website, but I now know that I can still create a website, just with different tools. I can create a website with a wiki or blog, and it would probably be much easier. I was always scared that I would not be “smart” enough to take a technology course, but now I wish I would have taken more classes. I am at the end of my graduate program, which I can say was not that challenging. If I would have taken a risk and chose a graduate program like technology, I would have learned much more. I guess I am saying that I learned more about myself and my abilities, which no other class has revealed.
Before I took this class I wrote a blog about trying to figure out Inspiration, now I know how to use Inspiration as a way of visual learning. Inspiration is not just a way to create mind maps, but it has many graphic organizers to help clarify thoughts to allow students to discover patterns and relationships. Working on the collaborative wiki assignment, helped me realize that everyone has something valuable and unique to add to a topic. Everyone has their own experiences and knowledge that can help you learn more. I really learned a lot from my wiki topic, cyberbullying. Before this class I did not even know cyberbullying existed! When I finally have my own classroom, hopefully next year, cyberbullying would be a topic I would take the time to discuss and educate the youth because it is a very serious matter. The non-linear PowerPoint gave me a fresh new perspective on PowerPoint. I have been so burnt-out on the traditional boring PowerPoint that I rarely would use it. Having students participate with a non-linear PowerPoint is much more engaging and fun. Students can explore on their own or as a whole class. The research paper on assistive technology let me just touch the surface on what is out there and how I can allow a student to maximize their assistive technologies. I can’t wait for more research to come out on this topic, so I can learn more. I’m glad we took the time to learn a little about copyright and fair use because I had no idea it was so serious. Teachers copy books for us and so much more that break copyright, so I would have stayed in the dark if we never touched on this topic.
I could probably go on and on about what I learned. I know my family is tired of hearing about it, whenever I learn something that I think is fascinating, I have to share it! I really enjoyed this class and who knows maybe I’ll come back to school in the future to learn more technology as it gets more sophisticated. Or better yet I can listen to a podcast on the latest technology!
jfiorde0's Weblog 