Course Re-cap

I found the assignments in this course to be very useful for a couple of reasons. One major reason is it allowed me to have to figure out how to navigate and design some of the projects on my own. This was much more involved and time consuming than if I were in a classroom setting and following along with the instructors lead. Being forced to explore and figure things out on my own fostered a more authentic learning environment that some of my previous experiences with learning Web 2.0 applications.

This course also allowed me to explore new tools and resources that ultimately will benefit my students in the classroom. I find that current students are very good at navigating and figuring out how to use the programs on the internet very easily and very quickly the first time through, unlike myself. I am a technology teacher, although not all tech teachers are good with computers, we are good problem solvers and have alot of oppertunity to spark and tap into students' creativity in a hands-on learning environment. The more knowledge I am able to obtain on different applications, the more students I will be able to connect with. Learning is all about making connections and participating in supportive risk-taking oppertunities. Students gravitate towards classrooms with structure and environments that support authentic learning. I believe that a lot of the knowledge that I have gained from taking this course will assist me in becoming a better teacher through making more connections with students at levels that they are more comfortable and familiar with.

In the future I would jump at the oppertunity to take other courses like this. Other online courses that I have taken in the past have been very frustrating and discouraging. This course contradicts those feelings and allows me to work at my own pace. The resources that were provided, such as the YouTube examples, were crucial for my success in this course.