From+The+Heart

There are several, very valuable things I have learned as a result of this class! First I acknowledge that I had some preoccupations about studying and applying this new technology.

Every time I started a new assignment, my task would seem so daunting. My limited knowledge of the different web tools instilled a great sense of fear, and I would convince myself, "This will take too long", or "I don't know where to start", and "This is too hard and I may never use these tools...".

After the completion of each assignment I was surprised to feel the contrary and I began thinking "Wow this is so cool", "It was so easy once I got started", and "How can I implement this with MY students?", "They are going to really relate to this material!".

Now that I have a renewed confidence concerning my technological abilities, so many different pathways have opened up for me professionally. This complete understanding of a new academic outlet is something I will always be able to pull out of my growing tool box, as I strive to reach my students

More importantly than my own understanding of these concepts, is applying of them in the classroom. When I began this class, I really felt that my basic understanding of technology would suffice. I knew how to check accounts, subscribe to email offers, download music and navigate the web fairly well. After this semester I can easily admit that I was wrong!

As we began constructing different teaching tools, I began to notice that my students were already actively using the very tools I was just beginning to learn. Podcasts and Youtube video arrangements were new for me, yet my students were receiving daily subscriptions from these various sites to their PSP's and IPOD's.

How was I supposed to relate and understand my students if I didn't even speak this new 'foreign language'? How was I supposed to compete with technology I didn't understand, for their undivided attention? How did I expect to reach them if I couldn't even try to understand the world they live in today?

The answer to these questions are obvious to me now. I wouldn't have been able teach them, help them, reach them or understand them! As a result of taking this class, I have completely changed my approach to teaching and I have reevaluated my attitude about learning. Thank you for this fantastic opportunity, you have truly changed my perspective and I am forever grateful!