Final Reflection

When I signed up for this course, I thought it would be something like a refresher type computer class. I was definitely wrong about that. It has been fun learning about the different ways that technology can be used in the classroom. I have a better understanding as to why there should be more computers in the classroom. I really do see the benefits that technology has to offer the youngest of learners. Programs that are designed to promote reading and math are wonderful tools.

I think my weakest point was probably getting started on projects. In the beginning, my slow Internet connection really distressed me. It made it hard to focus on getting projects done. But that was finally resolved, thank goodness, and I was able to buckle down and get to work. I would say that my strongest point is my ability to adapt easily to computer programs and navigate around the Internet. Most everything I have learned up until taking this course, I have taught myself, whether by “playing” on the computer or by reading books to figure out programs such as “Excel”.

This is probably the most “discussion” involved online course I have taken out of the 11 that I have enrolled in so far. Peers from this class in particular have been very helpful. The instructor has been GREAT! I had a problem earlier in the semester, sent her and e-mail, and she called me within 10 minutes. She was very helpful in solving my dilemma, and I was so thankful that she was able to call me immediately. Which was totally unexpected.

I used e-mail more than any other communication tool that we had available. Not only is it more familiar to me and seems to be more personal, it also seems to be the quicker way to view responses to individuals. The discussion boards were informative, but very time consuming, so I did not go back and check responses often enough. As far as chat rooms, voice board and the live classroom, it is difficult to schedule in these types of communicative tools. I would rather be in a face-to-face class than sit and type a lot. The blog did have its advantages though; I enjoyed reading my peers responses to assignments and viewing their links. It gives me a better understanding sometimes of what our assignments are about and how others viewed how to do it.

I am very excited to use the knowledge that I have gained from this class and apply it to the students that I work with. I wish everyone luck in this journey we have chosen to help enrich our lives so that we too can pass along this knowledge to our own students.

Assistive Technology Assignment

The Assistive Technology assignment was probably the hardest assignment for me. It is not very easy to work with a partner on internet assignments. I guess I am just old fashioned, but I find face-to-face partner assignments a little bit easier. Difficult to squeeze in timewise, but probably easier because you are more or less forced to complete work in a more timely manner. Tools like these are more easily by-passed by e-mailing.

Web Site

This was a great assignment. Teacher websites are a wonderful tool in many ways. Number one...no waiting to have newsletters printed and then putting in folders to go home! I call this going green. Also, for parents on the go, it is a excellent tool to keep up with their children's class assignments and activities. Most important though it the line of communication that it opens between parents and teachers. It helps keep both sides well informed.

http://sites.google.com/site/mrsbusbysclass/

Turnitin

The turnitin assignment was very enlightening! I never really knew how teachers were able to check plagarized papers, so this was definitely a learning experience. I was in the 95% range on my first try and got it down to 19% on my second try. This website would be very beneficial for students in that it would "force" them to correct their errors and think about what to write more. As for the teachers perspective, I could see how a tool such as this would help them find those who have plagarized papers.

http://13472225174503952475-a-g.googlegroups.com/web/Turnitin-Lorie.pdf?hl=en&gda=Y4oeikUAAACqk5jgZMghTwuFja4U4szd3vac2-Q575KgeNoasVsE-Wqo1VdSBG8fAPb3uoqtdf0cn8WIbWh5zqeDKtDBmq67Gu1iLHeqhw4ZZRj3RjJ_-A&gsc=w-uwngsAAAAuzBAMW85w7jNiAh-mMh3J