Unfortunately, I don't have a classroom right now in which to implement any of what I learned this week, but I do already sense a change in my perspective on technology and its place in the classroom. I have always been a "carry a novel in your back pocket and sit by a river to read it" kind of learner, and thought technology was the easy way out of teaching, planting a student in front of a computer, rather than engage them in learning yourself. But, I'm realizing that technology can be a really personalized tool to enhance learning, communication, and application. I think that is the most important thing I've learned just in these last couple of days.
I think the steps I'll take is mostly to approach this online course with an open mind and make a note of everything I can. I plan to take some time to learn how to use excel so I can use it for grades and charts when I teach (hopefully!) in the Fall. I know that a big challenge for me will be that computers and I sometimes aren't the best of friends. In fact, sometimes I think they all hate me. So, I get easily frustrated and intimidated and want to just write everything out on paper. But, I am realizing that all skills take time, and there was a time when even email seemed foreign and now I am a steady blogger.
I will try to be patient with myself as I take on new tasks, and I will try not to make huge sweeping goals, but simply find small ways to use technology to enhance learning, not just for the sake of cool gadgets or impressing high schoolers, but in ways that will really make learning individual and helpful.
