My culminating project is finished, and this is the final post that I am required to complete for my master's program. Looking back, I am still amazed at how much I learned in the last year and a half. And, I really loved that so much of what we learned in class could be implemented in our classrooms that same week.
I had coffee with a friend this morning, during which time I told him that I was almost done with school. He reminded me of my decision to apply to this program. There were so many programs to choose from. And, to be honest, the completely online aspect of this program was enticing, and scary at the same time. However, at the end of the road, I am so glad that I chose this program. It extended my knowledge, and gave me so many wonderful hands-on experiences that I could share with my students!
Check out my culminating project!
My portfolio also includes many examples of my work!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
599: Post 2
The goal of my culminating project was to use technology to increase student-student, student-teacher, and teacher-teacher collaboration where I teach. Why I thought this was a realistic goal, I have no idea. After much frustration, I realized that I was going to have to break down the topic into much more manageable parts.
So, I decided to focus on Google Apps for Education. Students come into the high school knowing how to use this powerful tool, but many high school teachers in the building are not even aware it exists. My new project is also going to include ideas as to how social studies teachers can increase collaboration through technology. Breaking my huge goal into smaller pieces makes it much more manageable.
The first step for me was to make screencasts on different aspects of Google Docs. I way underestimated how long it would take to create the screencasts. How can a short 3 minute video take more than ten times that long to make? And, when I would keep recording them over and over to make them perfect, they began to sound rehearsed. So, what was worse? A less than perfect video, or one that sounds like a robot?
So, I decided to focus on Google Apps for Education. Students come into the high school knowing how to use this powerful tool, but many high school teachers in the building are not even aware it exists. My new project is also going to include ideas as to how social studies teachers can increase collaboration through technology. Breaking my huge goal into smaller pieces makes it much more manageable.
The first step for me was to make screencasts on different aspects of Google Docs. I way underestimated how long it would take to create the screencasts. How can a short 3 minute video take more than ten times that long to make? And, when I would keep recording them over and over to make them perfect, they began to sound rehearsed. So, what was worse? A less than perfect video, or one that sounds like a robot?
599: Post 1
I cannot believe that I am starting the final class of this program! It has caused me to look back and reflect on where I was when I first started. I remember having issues downloading skype, not knowing how to share a Google Doc, and wishing that I knew how to create visually appealing presentations. After 18 months, I am glad to say that I have command of all of those things. I tend to be a very reflective person, but sometimes it is difficult for me to realize how far I have come when technology is concerned. So, looking back over my blog was a very eye-opening experience!
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