Final Post: Final Thoughts Reflection

Coming into EDM310 I knew very little about what was out there for teachers in the wide world of technology. I knew the basic things, like SMART Boards, and blogging, but I was shocked to see how much more was used int he classroom. For example, I didn’t realize how many tools were dedicated to audio recording. Before this class I knew only of built-in, and external microphones. Also, it wasn’t until this class that I had taken so much advantage of YouTube. I have only watched funny videos, and music videos in the past when I was logged onto YouTube. Now, I know that I can use it for recording projects in the classroom, and after watching my number of views for my videos increase, I can be assured that videos I make as a teacher will be watched too.
Before this class, my blogs that I had created in the past were very boring and simple. Since this class, I have learned how to incorporate pictures, links, and RSS feeds. I had no clue what a RSS feed was before, and now I also know that there is a huge number of them available to me for educational use. I am also much more confident in trying to use technology in my future classroom than I was prior to taking this class. Most all of the programs we and other teachers have used offer tutorials on their sites, and everything can be broken down to step-by-step instructions for beginner use. The internet is no longer a dark vast place of unfamiliarity, but instead a well-lit grand adventure, waiting to be explored.
This class never had a dull moment, and I was absolutely never bored from it. The interaction with my instructors made this class fun for me, and it reassured me that team work is really not such a bad thing. Working with others is an area of work that I have often avoided in the past. Since taking EDM310, I have had a change of heart, and realize how crucial working as a team can be for a good outcome on a project. More than one idea can be spread around, and task can be divided up between group members. The work load is lightened, and less hangs over an individuals’ shoulders. I also learned more about my class peers by working in groups. Some people like to take charge in a group, even though it’s not required for them to, while others like to follow. Regardless of this fact, it seems to be that a more well-rounded and thought out product comes out of working in groups.
Now that I have taken EDM310, my brain is churning constantly concerning ways to use technology in my own classroom. I am a great supporter of the idea that keeping your students motivated about a subject is crucial to their success. After taking this class, I can be certain that using media in the classroom is a great way to keep motivation high, if it used correctly and productively. I will say that I don’t believe so much in games being played in the classroom, like the example we saw in one teacher’s video, who used Nintendo DS’ in her classroom, but I am agreeable to using fun, colorful programs that are intended to grab students’ attentions.
I am confident that after taking this class I can most definitely use technology in many ways throughout my teaching career. I have no fear about trying different forms of media in my classroom, and I am very enthusiastic about spreading the word to other teacher that I will work with. Taking this class has given me a chance to be a step ahead of most teachers that I will meet along the way. I feel like so many teachers in the country are afraid to use technology, but after seeing how successful it has been in places like Auckland, New Zealand, I am sure one day soon it will also be the fad in school all over the U.S.
Now, I can’t say that because of this class I am now a professional at using technology, but I do feel like I have gotten my feet very wet in the field. I want to continue to develop my PLN, and I hope to have my own Flip Cam very soon. I loved my video production class I took in high school, and I consider myself a highly creative person. With that being said, I hope to find more technology-based creative web sites, and I know that they exists, and that they are waiting for me! I hope that with the the knowledge I have gained from taking EDM310 that I can ensure success in my own students, and leave with them the positive attitude I have towards technology, in hopes that they will one day pass it on to their families, friends, and children.