From+My+Heart

= From My Heart =

A wise soul once said, “You will never know what you are capable of unless you try”...

My Fall 2010 semester at Metro this year was not only filled with struggles, but also filled with achievements. I realized how important it is to never give up, never back down, and never say never.

 Although I have faced many hardships this semester, from being in two car accidents, dealing with domestic violence at home, to getting our home foreclosed on, and handling various family emergencies, I feel that I have not let these obstacles stand in my way. I am very proud to say that I have made it through the semester in one piece and have not endured an emotional breakdown! When I first began the EDT 3610 course, I actually considered my self tech-savvy, however after the first two weeks, I started realizing how far behind I had been in the world of technology. I didn’t know the difference between a Wikispace and a web 2.0 tool, let alone how to create digital media and pod-casts! Although it is extremely easy to become overwhelmed by such technological tools, I tried to keep my head above water and take each assignment one step at a time. Throughout this class, I have learned more than words can express and I have gained newfound knowledge about the real jobs that 21st century teachers do today.

 If I were to re-take EDT 3610 and I had the chance to do things differently, I would have changed many things. First, I would have allotted more time for planning and preparation of each lesson plan. Unfortunately, on top of the many hardships this semester has carried for me, I was also taking 5 classes (one more than usual). The combination of personal struggles and an overwhelming school-work load had me in a negative, anxious mood that did not bode well with making progress. I soon found that the longer I sat being depressed about how far behind I was and how much I had left to finish, the further behind I became. If I were given the opportunity to do this course again, I would be much more organized, positive and proactive. I have learned how truly important it is to give 110% of yourself at all times, and that simply putting effort forth does not reap rewards. I now understand that if I want to make it in this world, I have to play hard, take risks and make mistakes in order to learn the valuable life lessons that the universe has to offer.

 I found it extremely difficult to teach myself how to use each of the technology tools we used to create examples and lessons, and I found myself, at times, begging my computer to show me what I was doing wrong! Although teaching with technology does enhance learning and creativity in the classroom, one must be totally and completely prepared before they begin a project using a technology tool in the classroom. Planning is critical and providing ways for each student to spend equal amounts of time on the computer or internet can potentially become an obstacle. Also, if one is not completely familiar with the technology tool before they ask their students to use it, obstacles will arise. With the AMAZING assistance of my professor, Dr. Candace Stocker, I was able to learn how to use and create new projects using several different, kid-friendly technology tools. I also now know the importance of creating an example of these tools in order to show the students what exactly you are looking for as their teacher. I am now prepared to look each roadblock and obstacle in the face as a teacher using 21st century technology tools in the classroom.

 I am extremely excited to teach using technology tools in my classroom. After completing this course, I am most excited to actually be able to teach children how to use these tools and then watch them apply their knowledge in order to create a technological work of art! I cannot wait to spark my students’ creative juices and watch them create something unique all by themselves. I am also extremely excited to use these technology tools with special needs students. Many times, exceptional children work very well with computers and enjoy spending time creating computer generated items. I have found many tools throughout my journey that will enable me to take this knowledge into my special education classroom as well my general education classroom. Any student can learn if someone is simply willing to teach them!

 As a future teacher, I have learned more than I ever thought possible from this course and in particular, from completing an entire unit of instruction. I learned that having an idea is different from creating a lesson plan, and that not all projects will turn out the way you expect. I learned how much time truly goes into creating a lesson and how many different times a teacher must teach a lesson in order to get it perfect. I also learned the importance of organization and scheduling. It is much more difficult than I thought to simply decide how long a lesson will take to complete! I also learned about the vast number of resources available for teachers over the internet and how extremely helpful and frustrating this can be at times. Furthermore, I learned that it is going to take a lot more than performing each day in the classroom, to truly give my students my all. I have learned that if I respect my students and their educational futures, I will always be prepared, organized and fearless.

 Thanks to EDT 3610 I am much more prepared to enter a 21st century classroom and teach 21st century students! I have learned several strategies and methods that allow every-day teachers to enhance their students learning by implementing technology tools into their lesson plans. I believe in inquiry based learning and I have found that the use of technology tools will force students to, think critically, problem solve and ask questions throughout their educational experiences. In my classroom, you will find a class blog in which the students can communicate with their peers and/or their teacher about assignments, projects and tests. In my classroom, I want my students to understand how amazing and helpful the internet can be, and I want to teach them the best ways to find resources, communicate and continue to learn about the ever-changing uses of technology. I am determined to introduce my students to kid-friendly technology that will foster their academic development while also encouraging creativity.

 After completing this course, I am extremely proud of myself for each of my technological adventures and accomplishments. Above all, I am most proud of my the unit of instruction I created focusing on Native American Tribes in the U.S. When I was a third grade student, learning about the Native Americans was my favorite part and I wanted to bring that enthusiasm to my future students. Although I continued to face various struggles with this course, I am extremely proud of my achievements. I tried my best on each assignment and put 110% effort into every aspect of this course. I love the technology tools that I created, and I am already sharing them with my friends and family. I am also very proud of my Wikispace page as a whole because I have taken the first step in creating a class website that I can actually use! I am determined and excited to continue adding to my Wikipage throughout the rest of my college career, until one day it is all set up and ready to go for my first year of teaching!

 I always wished that one day I would become a teacher and change the lives of many students I encountered, however thanks to this course, I now know that I will be able to make a significant difference in my student’s lives and potentially the world as well. Because of this course, I have gained the needed information necessary to truly teach Universal Designs for Learning and continue to change the possible ways for students to learn. Because every child is unique and has their own learning style, what better way to foster that child’s strengths using technology tools they can learn to use and create online. I have learned many, many ways to make learning more fun for students using these tools, and I have also found several tools that encourage inquiry-based learning. I believe it is extremely important for students to problem solve and think critically and kid-friendly technology is one method of reaching this goal. By using several technology tools in the classroom, students will have tons of available resources and will be able to communicate with their peers while away from school using the class blog. I know that I can make a difference in 21st century students because I am willing to try anything and I refuse to give up on my students!

 As a person, I believe that I have learned more from this class than any other before. I had never taken an online class prior to EDT 3610, and needless to say, I was in for a surprise. This course requires extreme effort, concentration and work ethic each and every day, and constant self motivation is a must. I found that when I didn’t believe in myself or have faith in myself, the tasks became so much harder and more gruesome; however, when I did have faith in myself, I was able to overcome great obstacles. The course itself taught me the significance of perseverance and instilled in me the motivation and drive to NEVER give up, and NEVER fear the unknown. Although this course taught me a great deal about my future career and myself as a person, I would have never made it this far if it weren’t for my professor, Dr. Candace Stocker. She never lost faith in me throughout the semester, and for that I am forever grateful. I had never felt so lost, down and depressed in my life until this semester, and despite the ongoing struggles and hardships facing me, she never allowed me to loose faith in myself and my abilities. Her constant motivation and words of wisdom pulled me out from the deepest, darkest places and put me back on the path to success. I can only hope that when my day comes to teach, I will be able to instill in my students, the faith and courage that she instilled in me. I believe our world needs more teachers like Dr. Stocker because she never gave up and never stopped pushing me to do my best. Can you imagine a world where all students were believed in and motivated to give 110% effort, it could be remarkable. So, thank you Dr. C, I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for all that you have done for me!