CED0599 FINAL Post

Hard to believe after all this time this will be my final post as this graduate program is coming to an end.  It's difficult to think back to the beginning since this has been a constant in my life for almost the past 2 years.  Prior to this program I was already using any technology in my classroom that I could get my hands on.  I felt I was, and still am, a positive influence of the use of technology in my school and district.  This is what drew me to this program to begin with.  Here's what this program has done for me, besides all the knowledge I have gained.  I did and would have used technology with or without this program, however, this program provided me with tools (and therefore skills) I was unaware of before.  I might have found some of the tools on my own, but after this program I feel I'm stronger in finding new programs and tools on my own.  In addition, I've had to "struggle" through the learning curve week after week to learn not only one new program, but usually anywhere from 1 to 4 (or more) a week - especially during the first+ year of this program.  Several times I'd take the new program and immediately find a way to incorporate it into my classes with my students.  It was a win-win for all.

I can honestly say I've never looked inside a computer prior to this course.  I knew some of the details about Apple and Mac, but I sure learned a lot more about beginning of the computers and the internet.  I've used programs I had never heard of, and found new ways to use programs I had used.  I've been able to facilitate a synchronous and an asynchronous lesson and I've gained certification to teach students online (I'll definitely be pursuing this in the future.)  I might also say it has given me a little different perspective of virtual learning. (Anyone know of anyone highering?)  I still don't think it's for everyone, but it's an option for some.  Never hurts to have options.  I definitely can see the benefits and I learned about blended ed.  As an adult I've certainly enjoyed the online learning experience, although I did wonder where flexibility fits in. :)  I've created my first blog, yes I did say, first.  I'm planning on blogging.  I've learned about social bookmarking, collaborating in a new way, I was able to learn and use gmail and Google prior to my district getting it.  That feels/felt great.  It's allowed me to be again demonstrate my knowledge with my peers.  What a good feeling.   There's so many things I've learned and will be taking away from this program that are just the fabric of my life now.  It's a great feeling when someone sends me a link to a "new" program or tool and I know that I've already used it, I'm using it, or I already know about it.  I plan on continuing to grow (as we all should) and would like to present or teach peers about ways to incorporate technology into their learning environment.  So if you know of any opportunities, Louis - wink, wink, nudge, nudge, keep me in mind. :)

Some things I wish - is that I had a copy of all of the syllabus or at least all the programs we were exposed to.  I learned about so many programs, but there were many that I didn't look at.  Now that I'm done I'd like to explore those programs more.  Looking back I also would have liked to have created a place where I would have put links to all the items I created.  They were put into Angel, but once they were removed from Angel I no longer had the links.

Well I'm going to miss sitting on my couch night after night burning the midnight oil doing homework and my Tuesday night classes.  I consider myself fortunate to have part of a good team.  I especially enjoyed the strong work ethics of my team members.  Thanks teammates.  Best of luck to all of you in the future.  We are graduates!

CED0599 Week 2

This week was completing my project.  The project is designed for my students with special needs.  This project is based on a field trip to the planetarium and doing a scavenger hunt at a Wisconsin Visitor Center.  After doing the scavenger hunt, the students need to do research on a Wisconsin location of their choosing.  They will be creating a Wordle and Animoto to present the location they chose.  That will be their way of presenting their location.  Then they will be creating a Voicethread to create a presentation of the solar system.  After they have created the Wordle, Voicethread, and  Animoto these will be posted into a Google class site.

My students really enjoy the use of technology.  This is an area where I will continue to grow and my students will reap the benefits.

CED0599 Week 1

The end is quickly approaching.  This is the beginning of the last class of this graduate program.  For this week's class I need to create the timeline for my final project.  While it seems easy, I always find it a challenge to put times with various tasks.  I'm more of a doer and less of a time keeper.  I think that's true of a lot of people.  I also wasn't quite sure if I was making the timeline of MY hours for setting up the projects or my students time.

As I'm working on my work, I feel like I can't wait for this program to be over.  On the other hand, I feel like is it really coming to end?  Where has the time gone?  What will I do to fill up my Tuesday nights and ALL that time I spent on coursework?  Okay, I have plenty to do, but it will feel pleasantly odd for a little while.