The End is Near....

As I sit here and reflect on my experience in class, I am overcome with all of the knowledge I have acquired. I feel like I have broadened my technological horizons. As corny as that may seem to say, if someone were to ask me what I learned in this class, I would have so much to say. Not only was I introduced to, and had the opportunity to work with many new programs and websites, I was able to think of how these technologies could be incorporated into my classroom. I have a list of ideas that I can't wait to share with my colleagues and students.

I think back on my first experiences with the class. I was very overwhelmed and thought that there was no way that I would be able to handle all of this new technological information. But after diving right in and creating my own website, blog, and wiki, I was so impressed with my capabilities and was surprised at how much fun it could be. I thought to myself, "If I think this is great, imagine what my students would feel?" And my explorations continued, working with programs like Excel to make a crossword puzzle and Jumpcut to make an educational video. Watching videos on how technology can be integrated into the classroom and seeing why it is so beneficial because today's students are a new generation of learners, really helped me understand where my students are coming from and why traditional lectures are no longer effective. I need to use technology to motivate and engage them. This is also where the ISTE/NET Standards come into play so I make sure I use technology effectively to build collaborative and critical thinking learners. I must admit that I did not even know these standards existed before taking this class, but now that I know they are around, I will try to align my teaching with them to better the outcomes for students. I also became familiar with technological lingo, such as Web 2.0 and learned the capabilities and how it was different from Web 1.0. I learned all about bookmaring through del.icio.us and the benefits it can have as opposed to just saving websites to your "favorites."

I am so much more aware now of not only technology that exists, but of how these technologies can be incorporated into the classroom to enhance learning outcomes. I look at my own experience using Moodle chatrooms and Elluminate to help deepen my understandings of the topics introduced in this class. It was the discussions held using Moodle and Elluminate, as well as working first hand with new programs, that helped me see where the technologies and course readings could be fit into my own classroom and curriculum, helping me to deepen my own understanding and allowing for reflection.

I believe that I am different today than I was prior to taking this course. I had always known that technology had existed, but often felt overwhelmed or frustrated with it. I thought that I had waited too long to really get involved, so I would just stick with what I knew (Microsoft Word and PowerPoint) and hopefully that would work out. But now I feel more technologically literate! (Did I just make up my own word?) Now I see that technology is all around us. And its not going anywhere. It is the new standard. I feel now that I have a responsibility to educate my students on what technology is and to show them what exists so they can become literate with technology as well. I feel more empowered as I get ready to end this course that I have been equipped with the tools to properly use (and teach) these technologies with confidence.

I am so anxious to get into my classroom for the upcoming year and start integrating technology into my curriculum more than ever before. I also can't wait to see how my students react to this and how it impacts their learning. It is my hope that just because the class is over, I will not become any less tech savy and continue to use and stay current on new technological developments. It sure has been a great ride- one that I will never forget!