Its coming to that time of seeing where I stand. This reflection is my 'big picture' blog. Now we have one class left and then the midterm. I have learned a lot but I will soon see if I have absorbed it at all. We played some review games today in class and I think it outlined where I needed most to study...turns out its all of it. This came a blow to my confidence going into the final. I had expected that I had stayed up to date with assignments and content...I guess not. Well its a good thing that the exam isn't until the 21st. That gives me enough time to brush up on all the areas that are specifically outlined in the study guide. I find it really hard to use the text book. I know it must be hard to create a user friendly textbook in print for a primarily online based course.
Since my last post it seems like I have been just as busy. It was definately a huge relief to finish up the presentation, but when we had that presentation in mind, my group helped me a lot in staying focused, and aiding my mind in thinking 'EDIT' based thoughts. :)
With the end of this semester in mind, Im happy to finish up on one side, but then on the other side, I find that without constantly up keeping these skills, they will drift ouyt of my mind pretty quickly. That scares me a little. Technology isn't my strong point, and I still don't feel like it is. Being in this class, there is help available that I don't have to go on google to get. I have learned a lot, and I really hoop everything doesn't change too much until whenI finally become a teacher. I know this is unreasonable to hope for, but Im still going for it anyways.
I found working with excel very frustrating. I have used it before this class and felt the same when then as I do now. I am not a very patient person, and excel tests my patience with every step. I had to use it with our cattle herd book and also in my micro and macro economics classes. Not a fan of it then, and still not great with it, but it is useful so thats one area I will definately work on in the future.
This semester I have been learning beginner guitar with my cousin and uncle...so many of the times during our sessions, I have used tools that we have learned in this class. I defiantely feel more technology literate now. Thanks EDIT 302
-cheesey closing but oh well.
I totally agree with the amount I need to study. I very much felt that i do not know enough and now know pretty close the amount of time I need to study;). With the comment about the information slipping away I am in agreeance. I felt really comfotable while we were doing activities such as excell and using mcrosoft word but I feel like i have forgotten a lot of steps needed to create projects. I am really hoping they come back to me while I am studying. I had always felt pretty confident using microsoft word but when Carmen chowed us the different tools it offered i felt like an amature using it. When i relearn what Carmen taught us i will feel a lot more advanced again but i do need to review:). I also feel way more technology literate and have enjoyed the labs in EDIT 302. Thanks Carmen for everything!
ReplyDeleteYou two have brought up a very good point in regards to keeping yourself current and up to date. There are hundreds of web 2.0 tools that can be integrated into teaching and learning, and although you certainly do not need (nor will you) know all it is important to keep playing and using where it makes sense during the rest of your teacher training education. I am continually learning and playing too! :)
ReplyDeleteIt has been a pleasure teaching you both!
Now study for that final and you will do awesome!
Carmen
These new skills will be difficult to master over a time span where we do not have to constantly use them. These kind of skills need to be practiced in a long term setting for us to retain these skills. However, it has seemed to be really helpful to learn all the shortcuts allowing us to fully explore all the bells and whistles these programs can offer.
ReplyDeleteAs teachers, we need to constantly put these new skills in to practice. With out this class I am sure that most of us will forget all the extra knowledge we have learned when dealing these programs. I feel that you have brought up up a really great point in that it will become a struggle to keep ourselves up to date. I can't begin to tell you how many teachers I have encountered that refuse to learn new skills and adapt new technology in the classroom. Just keep an open mind and be willing to learn new things and modernize your teaching techniques. (: