The Final Learning Journal!!!

Final Learning Journal Prompt:

Based on your work in this class this semester, tell me

1. What three things did you learn about teaching and learning that you did not know before?

     Throughout the course of this class, I've been introduced to a number of things that served to teach me quite a bit about education. I believe that one of the most valuable things I've learned in this class is that as educators, we are not simply teachers, we are "designers." We are architects that must build upon the minds of our students, and help to fashion and design a curriculum that fits each of their individual needs.
     In this course I also learned how to create lesson plans, and how to mold my lesson plans to not only teach a subject, but to also make connections to 21st century skills while still making sure that students learn what is needed based on Sunshine State Standards.
     Last, but definitely not least, I learned that there are a vast number resources out there for teachers that can be used to make the facilitation of teaching more effective and easier. Resources such as course wiki's, blogs, delicious networks, among other things, can all be used to enhance teaching and make it easier to meet the needs of your students.

2. In what ways has the content in this course effected your views of teaching and learning?

     This course has definitely served to broaden my view of teaching. Often we think that there is only one way of teaching. We see teaching as having to be so structured that we can not deviate from the standard. We think that there is no way to possibly make it interesting, or fun and help our students to be motivated. This is NOT true. I learned that there are many methods to teaching and learning that can prove to be very effective. Its ok to step outside the norm and dare to do something different. While before I viewed teaching as just a way to deliver "need to know" information, I now view teaching as a way to build upon creative spirits and draw on interests to create novel ways of recieving information. One of the best ways to do this is by allowing students to become active participants in their learning. Catering to student's needs helps to assure that information is being passed along to them effectively.
     Also, my view on the use of technology in the classroon has changed. Technology plays a huge role in education. I don't think I realized quite how important technology was for teaching and learning purposes till I took this course. It enhances education in ways that simple methds of teaching can not. Also, because technology is always evolving, it leaves ground for education to evolve with it, helping methods of teaching and manners of learning to remain fresh and innovative.

3. What questions do you have about integrating technology into the curriculum?

     I guess the main question I have, regarding the integration of technology into the classroom, is how do I make sure that it is avaiable to eveyone, and that no student is being left behind? I know that their are some resources out there that can help this cause, such as social media, but how can I guarantee that? Will the divide between those who have access to the necessary forms of technology, and those who don't, ever truly be bridged? I doubt it, so how do I work around this without having to slow the pace of my class?

4. What did you like most about this course? In what ways can the instructor improve this course?

    What I liked most about this course was all the new resources I was introduced to, specifically google. I love google! It has so many dimensions to it that I never even bothered to explore. I have only ever used google for its search engine and its images, so to discover all its other functions like presentations, documents, sites, RSS, among other things was truly fascinating for me. I also enjoyed the atmosphere of the classroom. The class was very relaxed and therefore not tense; it allowed for respectful dialogue between teacher, students, and peers. There was quite a bit of work, but all managable. Another great feature of the class was the feedback! I enjoyed getting feedback on my lesson plans, it was very encouraging and reassuring, and also effective in letting me know what I maybe needed to improve on. Dr. Sessums is great! Very approachable, which is good for someone like me who's not big on asking for help (Find many teachers intimidating, even when they're nice). The one thing I would've liked is maybe having a record of my grades somewhere where I can see it, only because I get really paranoid otherwise, even when I know I'm not doing bad. Other than that small insignificant note, I enjoyed everything about this class! I actually learned something, and gained resourses that I can use beyond the boarders of this class! Yay!!!