EDLD+5364+Final+Assessment

__1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those you envisioned?__

I had hoped to successfully use technology in the classroom and integrate it into my fourth grade curriculum. I was also hoping to learn ways to motivate and challenge the students with technology. Too long, educators have done the same old thing, in the same old way, and gotten the same old results. As we enter the 21st century, we must find new ways of teaching and learning. By using technology, students can collaborate using wikis and blogs to create their projects instead of the old pencil and paper format. This provides an opportunity for students to be more creative and engaged in their work.

I do feel that for the most part, I have achieved those outcomes. The resources we used in this class were outstanding. The videos from YouTube and Edutopia were excellent! I was also impressed with the information provided in the required reading material.

The actual course outcomes far exceeded my expectations. I learned so much from the materials provided in the coursework, but I also learned a great deal from my team mates and discussions on the discussion board.

__2. To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?__

Yes, I believe the lessons I have learned from this course are still beneficial and relevant to the work I do in my school. As a fourth grade language arts/reading teacher, I face the challenge of teaching students to love the process and product of writing. Writing is difficult for many adults, so it comes as no surprise that students are reluctant to endure the process writing that is required for them to learn in order to pass the State test (TAKS). By incorporating technology in the writing lessons, students are much more willing, if not downright anxious, to practice their writing skills on the computer. I experienced this first hand, as my group was putting together our project for this class. I presented a lesson to six students (who had never volunteered to stay after class) that agreed to help me with my class project. They were thrilled with the chance to create a power point presentation on the computer. When they were published on my newly made classroom wiki, my whole class wanted to stay after school to create their own power point presentations. I believe that taking what I have learned in this class and adapting it for use in my classroom makes me a better teacher. My enthusiasm sparks a renewed interest in learning by the students in my classroom. To me, that makes everything I have learned in this class totally relevant.

__3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?__

I achieved most of the outcomes I had expected. I believe that my UDL lesson, my CAST book, and our group project were all successful. One challenge that I faced in this course, however, was the amount of material and assignments that was given in weeks four and five. Perhaps it was the timing (end of school and grades had to be turned in) but I had to cram so much into the last two weeks of the course, that I do not feel that I had as much time to explore the resources as I have in past courses. I plan to explore them further at my leisure during the Christmas holidays! I also felt rushed because the course ended two days early. That makes a BIG difference in a five week course.

__4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?__

I believe that I was successful in completing all the course assignments. I really enjoyed the class and feel that I have learned a wealth of knowledge and skills that I can immediately integrate into my classroom environment. The individual assignments were not too difficult because I am used to updating my wiki and my blog. My favorite assignment was the CAST bookbuilder. I passed that website on to my brother for use with his son. The UDL lesson was enjoyable, but time consuming only because I am not used to the format. I do like it though and plan to use it in the coming year. The group project presented its own challenge. There were only three of us, and we each encounterd personal family issues at some point during the project. Nevertheless, we are determined women, and we submitted a very good final product. It was a wonderful learning experience, and both of my team members are very easy to work with. We encouraged, prayed for, and helped each other throughout the course. The only thing that concerned us was the shortened class. Losing those two days really made us work long hours to complete our project.

__5.What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?__

This has been one of my favorite classes. The information that I have learned from this class is such that I can easily implement it in my classroom.I have always been a person who ran right out to purchase the latest model camera, camcorder, and computer. Now, I am in the process of learning how to use them in my classroom instruction. I am not the technologist on my campus. I am merely a fourth grade teacher. I use all the technology that I have available in my classroom, and other teachers come to me for ideas about integrating technology in some of their lessons. Since we only have two computers in each classroom, I have learned, and am teaching others, how to make it work so that each student has an opportunity to use the computer at least every three days. I know how important it is to make use of this technology since many of my students are digital natives and thrive on using computers for their work.I have enjoyed the group work, and although I was not the group leader, I feel that I fulfilled my role as a team member.