An end and a beginning - final thoughts (M Richards)

What a wonderful journey this has been. One of my previous concerns about using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom was using them to enhance learning, rather than just to use them, and this class has solved that problem. Learning about the NETS (that there even is such a thing) and the emphasis of aligning lessons with those standards made me confident that the tools we're using do, in fact, allow students to learn on a level not achievable otherwise. So much of what I used to be shown seemed to be simply glorified overhead's - nice, but not an advancement of student learning. Where I previously wondered, "How will I use that tool in the classroom?" I now plan my lessons thinking, "I'll bet this tool will improve student learning." A nice change that leaves me certain that I am a better educator as a result of this course. Thank you, Jim, for a perfectly paced, usable class.

Final Reflections

I have learned so much during the course of the class, I can't believe I missed these things for so long. I'm excited to see what my students will create. I am hoping that sharing with my colleagues will enhance their teaching as I feel these new tools and information will enhance mine. Thank you.

Final Reflections

After all of the information and tools I've seen and experienced I'm overwhelmed with excitement. I'm inspired. I have finally found something that I'm passionate about involving teaching. I believe in these technology tools and what they can do with education. "They" say that students aren't engaged and I know these tools will help that. Finding the right tool for what you want to accomplish is the most difficult part. It is also the key to achieving your goal of having your students learn and be engaged during that learning. We've talked about "game changers" I feel a lot of these tools that we've seen and used could change how students approach school/education. I am excited for the future of education.

Lauren's Final Reflection

The conclusion of this class has left me feeling full of new ideas and resources. Throughout the first few weeks of class, I was overwhelmed by all of the resources. Today, I have a better understanding of all of the options that exist with Web 2.0 in the classroom. I have developed a very valuable tool that I will continue to use for many years to come. I've enjoyed the first hand experimentation with different tools. There were many times when I was challenged to extend my personal learning. I've thoroughly enjoyed the course and will continue to explore Web 2.0 in my own classroom.

Thank You!

More Reflecting...or whining

So, I think I've given new meaning to biting off more than I can chew as I sit with 14 tabs open. I'm checking on their Edmodo posts, what they are doing on Wallwisher (they love that, this is just one), the posts they are creating on our class wiki (7th and 8th) (I really should have put more thought into creating different accounts for each class), making sure I have everything done for class, keeping track of email and diigo and creating my project in Glogster--which, of course, I deleted the first time I typed it into the projects section. I won't mention the personal stuff, there's not enough room! However, I've turned my 9 year old into a guinea pig for everything I want to try and I think I've created a techmonster.
I'm really having a great time showing them all the great new things I've discovered, but they are not nearly as tech savvy as I had thought. I'm not sure if that is good or not so good, but i have been invited to a few new blogs and they invite me to un-class-related glogs as they create them and play around to learn to use the tools. We are learning together and I'm very glad that I have loving, caring, very patient students.
I have learned, yet again, that I need a new system of organization. Okay, not necessarily new, but definitely different. I need a day to catch up, but I think I'd just use the time to sleep (that's the thing you do when you close your eyes, right?). When it's all said and done I'm ten steps behind where I need to be and twenty behind where I want to be--can I get a vote for adding another 8 hours to a day?

Tim's Final Reflections

One of the things that I went into this class looking for was a better understanding of the tools being used by our teachers and students in the classrooms of the districts we serve. My department is responsible for providing support for many of these tools as we provide the networking and filtering services to our constituents. In addition, I have seen how the Intermediate Unit itself can utilize some of these tools in our community based centers and Power Up classes.

One of the by products of this class has been a new experiment in our School to Work program. On my recommendation, they have purchased iPad's instead of laptops for the students. They are using Google docs, Tweetdeck, Google Earth, & blogger with their students for the first time. We are hoping that this classroom can be used as a model for our other classrooms at the IU. These are exciting times indeed. The students are more engaged and so are the teachers. Instead of finding excuses to say we can't, we are asking why not?