Week 8 Reflections- Final

I have really enjoyed this class. I have learned so much about technology and using it in education. I am excited to implement many of the things I learned in my own classroom. I look forward to watching the other students' presentations. I'm sure many will be phenomenal. I hope the sound works today so my final will play nicely.

Thanks Pam for being a knowledgeable, fair and reliable teacher. You had a great flow to the class. There were always new things to learn, but enough time to get a good start on assignments in class too. You were more then generous allowing students to fix problems resulting in a lower grade on assignments. You were always on time and very well prepared (if only the sound system cooperated in the lab, huh?).  Thanks again Pam - hope our paths will cross again via Nebo School District in the near future.

Week 7 Reflections

I loved using Microsoft Publisher and see that as a VERY handy tool as a teacher. It would save a lot of time putting together something more interesting than just a plain-old handout. All the technology we talked about in class today was so exciting to me. I loved trying the SmartBoard and could have played on that some more. The ipad was fun as well as the itouch. My 8-year old is obsessed with technology, because he sees older people using them and always wants to try them himself. In fact, my kids were playing on the grass outside the school today and when I got out of class I told my son about the ipad and SmartBoard and he immediately asked if we could go back in and let him try it.  Believe me, it was tempting, but I didn't want to distract and disrupt the class.  Plus, I think there is a sign in the classroom that says "No children in computer lab." 

I have really loved this class and have learned so much, but as always, it just makes me realize how much I don't know. For my assignment this week I'm going to be reading about ipods. I see so many kids with them that I would love to learn more about how to utilize them in a classroom. I may even poke around and read about cell phones in the classrooms, and clickers too.  So many interesting things to learn. Pam - I hope you are able to keep teaching at UVU and keep helping Nebo District teachers take full advantage of technology. You are really amazing!

Week 6 Reflections

This is quite a big assignment this week, but it was nice having a reason to get to know other people in the class better. I loved learning about google docs. I thought it was one of the coolest things ever. I'm thinking back on all the times I could have used that in the past! It is a little hard working in a group waiting for other people to do their part, but I know we all work at our own pace. Can't believe we only have 4 classes left. Been working like crazy on my final - although there's a lot left to do.

Week 5 Reflections

With only one class this week, it seems hardly time to write again. I have really enjoyed getting to know more about power point.  I'm happy to have the book we have. I hadn't even looked through it until yesterday. It's something I could give my kids and let them have fun this summer. The book has so many interesting ideas with power point I can see myself using it in a classroom setting often, either projects I do myself, or having students create them.  Now...how to get good computers in the classrooms...??