I'm probably dating myself, but there's that song "Reflections" by The Supremes, and in the hook of the song Diana Ross belts out, "Reflections of/The way life used to be..." When I think of my "teaching life" before these classes, the way I used to be, I was completely insecure about technology with a modicum of confidence. I wasn't a complete disaster, but I lacked a lot of 21st-century know how. Now, I have three of these technology classes under my belt and the way life used to be is just a distant memory...
When I reflect on all of the modules we have done in this course, I think I am most appreciative of the introduction to audio applications in the classroom, mostly because that's what I knew the least about, especially podcasting. The coursework articles I liked the best were the ones about typography and graphic design. I really appreciated "Why No One Reads Your Classroom Newsletter" by Jennifer Gonzalez and "Why Teachers Should Care About Typography." Both of those articles contained the nuts-and-bolts type of information that I can see myself wanting to reference from time to time. I also really appreciated the Google Drawings assignment. I have dabbled in the application before, but this assignment really gave me a deeper understanding of the functionalities within the program. Without a doubt, I had the most fun with the video book trailer assignment and I was completely inspired by the screencast assignment. I felt like that assignment was a catalyst of never-ending instructional possibilities.
I feel like my next step is to continue incorporating what I'm learning in my practice. It's so easy to get complacent and fall into familiar (yet luxuriously comforting) patterns. If I'm going to continue to stretch myself, I have to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone and try something new. The next area I went to delve into is virtual reality through Google Expeditions and possibly use Skype to connect with another classroom or "mystery guest."
So here I am...reflecting on the way my technology life used to be, which was just okay. But who wants just okay when amazing is right around the corner?
Erika, it's so impressive to read how you are transforming your classroom and your practice in just three courses! I hope to hear more in the near future.
ReplyDeleteErika--
ReplyDeleteI must agree with you-- the article "Why No One Reads Your Classroom Newsletter" was a great read. I found that I was easily able to apply the things I learned in that article to my own weekly classroom newsletter. I want to continue to tweak and make my newsletter more engaging and appeal for my student's families. I also want to continue to push myself to incorporate many of the audio elements into my classroom. I'm most uncomfortable with, but my students really seem to enjoy them. Best of luck!