Reflections

= __**Reflections:**__ =

__Nick Anello__ This class was student-centered and driven in part by student interest. The lessons learned in this course have direct applications to the classroom right now. The course was a fun way to learn about the technology tools available for the classroom teacher and to enhance teacher familiarity of available technologies. The course also allowed us to collaborate to find ways to make classrooms more technology friendly and students more technologically literate.

__Sandy Graziano__ The constructivist environment of the class, Evaluating Software, provided a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere where I was encouraged to learn about technologically influenced learning applications. Our team collaborated together and created a rich classroom wiki. We shared our favorite web sites, learned about amazing new resources, and researched pertinent topics related to technology in the classroom. Mr. Gordon shared the Delicious site and encouraged us to build our own personal libraries full of useful tools. Students in class worked cooperatively as we researched topics ranging from copyright laws to the mindset of modern learners. I really enjoyed this class and hope that I am able to work among such supportive teammates in the future.

__Steve Hilger__ I really enjoyed the last 16 weeks of this class. I started out having no idea what a wiki was, or how to use any sort of technology in my classroom. EDCP610 introduced me to many different types of software and their uses. It was beneficial to have each class member assigned specific topics, and putting it all together in our wiki page. We had plenty of time to discuss and collaborate with each other, and every person contributed greatly to the class. There was so much information explained and shown to us, but I never felt overwhelmed at all. We worked at our own pace and Mr. Gordon listened to our input as to what we wanted accomplish. I believe that set the overall mood for the class and it was truly enjoyable and rewarding at the same time.

Overall, I can honestly say that I truly enjoyed this class. I learned a lot of resources I could use in my classroom. For primary sources, I plan on using the Library of Congress. I plan to use this wikispace as a resource for incorporating technology in my classroom. We have a lot of great information and resources posted. I really liked the pace of the class and the discussions we had. I learned a lot from the other teachers in class and from Mr. Gordon as well. When we began this class, I was afraid that the technology would be too advanced and I did not know what a wikispace was. However, we all worked together to help one another and I learned how to do many things I have not known how before. I am excited to say that I had a part in creating a wikispace!
 * __ Rachel Dunbar __**


 * Jennifer Mellske **

This class allowed us to be responsible for the direction we wanted it to go in and how we wanted the wiki to look like. I liked voicing our opinion to each other and bouncing ideas off each other in person. I liked how all our ideas we incorporated and merged to form one final project. I appreciate having a page that documented everything we looked at and learned. Now I have a working page of links and knowledge to go back to instead of a stack of papers to sift through. The only thing I am unsure about is how we will be graded for this work since we have had no formal feedback so far.

__Alicia Hughey__ Overall, I thought the class was excellent in helping teachers understand how to implement technology in the classroom. I learned about many websites and resources that I could use in my classroom. The class also showed how teachers could share different technology with others in the profession. I also learned a great deal about the Library of Congress and the rich resources they have on their website. Without this class I do not think I would have thought to use the Library of Congress as a resource. Students can use primary sources that can help them when they are researching a project, or teachers could use it as a way to introduce a topic to the class. Finally, I thought the Jason project was a great site to teach Science to kids. Many of the games and labs would be things that most students would find interesting and fun.

__**Kaleena Kessling**__ I liked and appreciated the collaborative setting that was chosen for this course. I felt like more of an active member of the class set-up rather than a passive participant. There were many things I liked about this course and can see myself using in my classroom. For example, I really liked the use of the Wikispace because it made everything we did in class accessible via the internet. It also made group collaboration easier and more visual. I also learned more about using the Wiki that I have now incorporated into my personal classroom wiki. I learned a great deal about the Library of Congress and how to include many of those lessons and primary sources into my social studies curriculum. I think Delicious.com is a great resource for many educators to help them find sources to use in class that they may have otherwise not have been able to find on their own. I feel everyone in the class has learned a great deal about different tools and software they will use in their future teaching experiences.

This was an awesome class! The knowledge I have gained has been beyond what I thought I would learn in this class. In this class, I have learned how to build a Wiki, what a Delicious site would entail, Jason project (how to teach science), different ways of teaching students of all grades and ages, Library of Congress (using differentiated instruction), and how to use Live text. Actually, last night I was so proud when I was talking to a struggling college student who had no idea about what to do about not having Microsoft word to type her paper. Then, I remembered what I learned in class from a presentation that she could use Open office to type her word document. She downloaded it right in front of me it was so amazing to see her face (big smile). In addition, I told her about the Prezi for a PowerPoint presentation, that she could use this website and it would assist her with how to develop a presentation.
 * Arlanda Suett **