Week 6 Reflections

This week as I created my podcast I was amazed at how easy it was. There are so many things I have already done with my students this year that would have been so much easier if they could have watched the process first before doing the actual lesson. Jing was SO easy to use. I really enjoyed watching the podcasts from the other class members also.

For my Journal Article Presentation I read an article on Wikis and how they can help build learning communities. There are so many uses for Wikis. I have seen the benefit of using them in this class.

As I read through the course notes and the descriptions on distance learners I realized that I was very lucky to have a supportive family. I am very self motivated and due to my work schedule I would not have gone back to college if I was not able to do it all online. With a husband and three busy kids, a full time job, and a part time job at my church I do not have time to sit through classes but by being able to do it online I can do a little at a time when I have the opportunity. Sometimes I do work during my conference period, sometimes late at night, sometimes at church. Have laptop....will travel.

With all of these tools available the possibilities are endless. If we use the technologies available we can create more active learners. As a teacher I can make my lessons more interactive. As a learner I can collaborate with my classmates to do group assignments. There are several things preventing teachers from using these tools. One of the main things is the school filters that block access to many Web 2.0 technologies. Another thing is lack of resources. I would love to have ipods in my classroom to help my low First Graders. I have seen wonderful resources using podcasts for young learners.

If I had a magic wand I would wave it at the school and get rid of all of the fears that my co-workers have about technology. It is amazing how some teachers are so set in there ways and are unwilling to try anything new. There is so much technology out there that makes teaching so much easier and creates active learners that if teachers would try it they would be really surprised with what can happen in their classrooms.