Final Reflection

Going into this class, I was a bit nervous. Well, I was a lot nervous actually. For some reason, working with technology does not come easy to me...although after taking this course, I realize that my struggle with technology comes mostly from my fear of it. This class has definitely taught me to not be so fearful of it and to not allow it to frustrate me. In fact, I have been incorporating more technology into my lessons and it seems to be quite effective...not only are the students engaged and enjoying it, but it is a learning experience for me as well. This course has honestly been a pleasure, WebQuesting and all! From day one, I knew exactly what was expected of me for this course and the workload was reasonable and meaningful. Dr. Luongo is an amazing instructor and has provided me with some really useful tools for the classroom. I could honestly say that nothing was busy work...everything had a purpose and I got something out of each video, article, chapter, and link provided in the modules. I feel as though I have gained more from this online course than I have in classes that meet each week. I have enjoyed reading everyone's blogs and thank those of you have taken the time to read and comment mine. Thank you Dr. Luongo for such a pleasurable experience, I look forward to taking other courses with you. To all my classmate: Good Luck with all of your future endeveors! Enjoy the summer!

Am I a Techno-Constructivist?

I am slowly but surely becoming a techno-constructivist. After reading the article, I would say that I am somewhere between a 2nd and 3rd "stage-er". I should probably be further along in the whole technology gig, but i am not...fortunately, this class has helped me to become less fearful of new technology and inspired me to be more of a techno-constructivist. Like the article states-becoming a techno-constructivist is an attitude and one must posess the ability to be open to new possibilities in this "age of wonder"...I think I have become more open. In reality, technology really is transforming education, therefore teachers must be open to new possibilities and constantly educate themselves on the newest trends in order to provide the best possible education for our students.

CLRN

The California Learning Resource Network is a great site for finding electronic learning resources. Everytime I look for something teacher/learning related on the internet, I immediately go to google or one of the other major search engines and then have to ilter out all the junk in between. CLRN is a great tool for teachers! Although the standards are specific to California, the resources are still condusive to all NJCCCS. I am greatful to have this site brought to my attention and will definitely make good use of it!

Lesson Plans...

After looking through all the resources in module 10 to help with lesson planning I was overwhelmed with ideas...in a good way. It took me forever to decide what I wanted to write me lesson plan on...but once I decided it was a lot of fun. I chose to use the SmartBoard in my lesson plan because it is something I am currently learning about. My school got one about a year ago and we have had several professional development workshops about how to use it. It is really an awesome interactive tool to use in the classroom...the students love it (at all grade levels), it helps to engage them and keeps their attention well. I hope to start using the SmartBoard more and this assignment helped me to develop a lesson that I actually can use with my own class!
In addition to lesson planning...I do feel that lessons should be well thought out and detailed, however, I do agree with some other blogs that it is sometimes difficult and at times impossible to completely follow lessons as planned. As far as substitutes go, I usually leave alternate plans. Although, I'm sure most subs are capable of following lessons, I wouldn't expect them to.

Web Page

What a relief! I wasn't sure what to expect with building a web page...I was hoping it wasn't anything like the WebQuest...I am happy to say, it's not. Honestly, building the web page with Scholastic Web Builder is so simple! It isn't necessarily ideal for someone who wants to get real creative, but it is very easy. I'm enthusiastic about finishing mine because it is something I would love to use with my class. I am huge on communication with parents and I think that using a web page is a great way to keep the lines of communication open. Also, students know what to expect and can reflect of special events or activities by looking a pictures on the page whixh is awesome! Several of the teachers I work with use this and I have heard nothing but good things from them and from parents, the students in higher grade seem to find it useful as well.

Web Based Educational Resources

During the very first week of this class, I discovered starfall.com...and have used it many times in my classroom since then. After exploring through the sites offered in Modules 5&6, I absolutelty believe that web based resources are useful and effective. There is so many resources available for teachers to use and so many of them are very useful. I particularly like puzzlemaker.com, I think this site is great for all levels of education.
Also, the text touches on the fact that communication with anyone any where in the world is instantaneous due to technology...this is so true! Every year, the school I teach at participates in World Math Day...the students get such a thrill out of competing against and communicating with other kids their age all over the world! Web Based resourses are awesome for teaching and learning...(as long as you take safety into consideration).

WebQuesting...Part 2

I went back and read my own WebQuest blog and realized how negative I sound... I think my frustration took over. After taking a few days off from WebQuesting, I went back and revised mine. It was much easier and a lot more enjoyable this time around! I now have a sense of relief and accomplishment; and in the long run, I am happy I learned something new!