El Fin

This class has probably been the most collaborative and interactive process. That is what I have enjoyed most the class. I am happy to report that the feedback I received from you always opened my eyes to different strategies or view points. As we have discussed, our class appreciates feedback and I think you did a great job communicating with each of us, unique to each of our personalities. I couldn't be more happier with the diversity of this class. It's always pleasant to have a smaller class, giving us a chance to bond more. We did share some good laughs (Babycakes anyone?)

As you could tell, where I am today is definitely a different place than where I was at the beginning of class. I am more enthusiastic about technology and its uses in my classroom and am eager to share with my other classmates (maybe haha). No, but joking aside, I always shared our assignments with my parents, and they were even more impressed than I could ever be. My Mom especially is thrilled that I want to be a teacher. She knows that I was technologically inclined, so she could see that all these programs could be useful.

I'm glad we took the time to explore different subjects. Each program was unique and specific to a different topic. I will forever use my Pageflakes and LOVE the organization of Gradeconnect, as well as the accessibility of the Web 2.0 sites. I'm glad we spent a lot of time going over those, because I will use most of those. I think all of us are pretty much hooked on Picnik since we're an obsessed-with-ourselves-and-our-pictures Generation. I was happy that you introduced us to the Educational Field Trips from Ball State University. That is something I could see myself using when it applies to my various English books. I love applying other knowledge to my area of expertise.

I also am proud to say that my searching abilities on search engines have improved. I now no longer just immediately go to Google, but I take the time to check other sites and journals. I really liked EduHound and EduWorld and its magazine feel. I also liked to be able to view the Time For Kids articles that I enjoyed so much as a kid. The time of online newspapers and journals is so exciting that I have all this news right on my computer. And what a way to wrap everything up by having SnagIt be able to capture a picture or text right from these sites. I know I will definitely find a use for SnagIt as my classes continue.

As for blogging, I would definitely use this for my classroom. I'm a big fan of journals and as long as its appropriate, having classmates pair up and edit each other's papers. Even though I think next year would be beneficial to have students work on their PowerPoints separately, I was glad to be able to collaborate creatively on a project. The best way to learn is through helping others, and I think each of us was able to give one another tips (Too bad Erica couldn't figure out my weird PDF file!). One thing I really enjoyed was the field site. I'm glad I visited a more diverse school in order to get a better feel for the surrounding area. I felt like I was an interviewer, gathering information solely on the status of their technology. I have already E-mailed Mrs. Chadwick and am awaiting her reply. I was so excited to be able to teach her some programs, while she helped me to understand what I can expect when I become a teacher.

Thank you for being very honest with us in what we will encounter in the future. This course was definitely unique and well worth it to take. As a future teacher, I feel like I will be able to keep up with my students, as they are surely already more technologically advanced and plugged into their computers even more than I am. Aside from that, I'm glad the class was able to discuss freely and openly. I think the conferences were an exciting addition to our lessons, and we each learned a little bit about expressing our feelings. After all, we are a vital consumer to their market. Hopefully we will be able to get as many free things as you have for our classrooms. I am all about the free things as well and won't hesitate to ask for anything that will benefit my class. I will have to be scrappy and really hunt for good finds for English material. But all the standards and lesson plan sites will really help me get my feet wet!

Best of luck for your next semester! Stay in touch and I'm looking forward to seeing how the next crop of students handle the influx of technology in their lives. Thanks again for an enjoyable semester!

Best,

Kelly :)