Week Six Reflection

Wow, the last six weeks have flown by!  I can't believe another class is done.  One more to get the MEIT!  Once again, this has been a very valuable class.  The text had a lot of important information.  I enjoyed reading it, but I really am glad you decided to stop having us do the questions.  I would concentrate so hard on finding the answers to the questions that I wasn't getting all the information that I was reading.  I think the best parts of the text were all the links plus the website, and sections in the green shaded boxes, where they gave us information about tools we can use and teachers' thoughts about different things.

The class itself was extremely helpful.  In week 1, I really enjoyed using Toon Doo.  It was easy to use and gave me new ideas of how I could use a tool like this with my students.  I'm not sure if I would use Toon Doo, or try to find something else for the students, but I will definitely use something like this.  I also liked the list of presentation programs that you had for us to look at.  I plan on taking advantage of programs like this for our Newbery and Wisconsin author reports next year.  In week two, the assignment with the different search engines was very helpful.  Its nice to know that there are alternatives.  Week 3 gave us the spreadsheet.  That was the most beneficial to me, because I had really never used one before for anything more than just a list of names.  Now that I am teaching again, I would like to figure out a way to use a spreadsheet to make my lesson plans.  In week 4 there were two things that stand out for me.  The Edutopia videos gave me a chance to see how different districts across the country are using technology.  They really opened my eyes!  I also enjoyed making the calendar.  It was fun, and if I can get my act together, I'd like to maybe use it on my IMC website when I get one made.  Thank you for all your help getting my calendar posted in the forum.  At least I know it wasn't totally my fault!  In week 5, aside from Sir Ken Robinson, once again, my favorite project was supplied by Google.  I really enjoyed making the Google site.  I wish I could use it for my IMC website, but we have to use a program purchased by the district.  Maybe I should review that program for you!!!!  But, I still would like to figure out some way to use it in my IMC.  Last but not least, week 6.  Although this was my least favorite project, it was probably the most informative, and will no doubt be of use to me sometime during my time as LMS.  I don't know how much input (there will be some) I will have on any big purchases, but I definitely know it will be helpful when I look at new free online programs to use with my students.  I'll know better what to look for and how to make the decision as to whether or not to use it.

Over all, this has been a very worthwhile class.  Everything we did is pertinent to what I do for a living.  Besides learning by doing, which is probably the best way I learn, I was also given many ideas of things to do in my classes.  Seems I was always thinking about how I could make it work for me.  After all my technology classes taken during this journey to become a Library Media Specialist, I can honestly say that my total fear of trying anything new on the computer, especially on the Internet, has gone away for good.  I truly appreciate all the projects we did and what I learned by doing them.  Hopefully I will be able to impress my staff with all the cool things that I want to try with the students!  Thanks Louis!  It's been a pleasure working with you.