Final Reflection

When I started the class, I was quite skeptical over the amount of technology that would be present in the class.  Even my husband had a good chuckle at my expense over the required text being only in an e-book and the expectation to have a Twitter account.  I am well aware of how much technology can consume our lives.  For this reason, I have tried to stay away from linking my cell phone to social media and email accounts.  The idea was to be present in my life, not self-involved with my phone.  However, like everything in life, there is a balance that needs to be had.  This course has brought self-growth through technology.

My social media outlook has changed dramatically from taking the course.  As a busy mom of two young children, I really did not have time viewing the latest feeds from friends.  This is what I have known social media to be, but in this course, I have figured out to use it as resource.  With Twitter, I have found it refreshing to have bits of useful information being sent on a regular basis.  I honestly do not think I would have found some of the useful tips searching the internet on my own.

I appreciated the opportunity to venture into unknown technology.  Learning how to create a screen recording was at times frustrating, but I felt compelled to keep at it.  I can see the value of creating lessons to be played back over and over again.  I have a huge bulletin board describing in writing how to get to the library website and catalogue.  For most students, it is a lot to look at.  This is the reason why I chose to do videos for my vision of the future project.  Since most of us are visual learners, videos present a nicer alternative to my directions board.

With the Twitter account, I have been able to take a more active role in learning about new technology.  I hope to be able to discuss new applications and how they work with my colleagues.  Videos can accompany presentations for teachers who have missed the workshop or want a refresher.  Additionally, I hope to start a coding club with students.  I certainly do not know everything there is about coding, but we can learn from each other.  Technology does not have to be an independent activity.  It is about sharing the information and growing together.