Since I complete the first reflection by submitting the Reflection Form, I decided to use technology more and branch out and submit this final reflection by creating a blog entry to share with Greg and my course colleagues.
When discussing essential learning in this course it is difficult for me to narrow down all of the learning that takes place in an online course such as this one. If I had to sum up my favourite learning activities for this year, it would include becoming more familiar with Google and all of the elements it contains including Calendar, Google+, and Blogger. I've only ever used Hotmail and Facebook as social media and this course has opened my eyes to the world beyond.
Highlights of the course this year are plentiful. While it has been an extremely difficult summer for me personally, I try to look on the positive side of things and focus on what I can take away from this course. The most beneficial highlight of my course this year has to be the newfound confidence that I take away from having completed so many rich learning activities. I absolutely love how this course encourages and forces you to look at improving technology in my specific school from the inside out. It made me question myself and really get to the bottom of what needs to be done to improve technology use and knowledge in my school. Although there are many, the most beneficial lessons from this course that I plan to take to my principal for review are: 1) implementing a set of school computer safety rules and guidelines, 2) creating an official website for my school, and 3) looking into my proposed 3-year strategic technology plan and seeing about the possibility of me running some or all of my proposed suggestions.
I'd like to thank Greg for being so understanding during my time of difficulty and I'd like to thank my course mates for sharing their wonderful ideas for technology in the classroom with me. I appreciate it all and will use your inspiration as I go back into my class refreshed and full of new ideas for the upcoming school year!
Nia:wen ko:wa (thanks)
Laurie
