Final Reflection

Looking back at the topics covered during this course, I find that I definitely have preferences for specific weeks and topics covered. When I began this class my knowledge about web 2.0 was limited, or shall I say nonexistent? I did not even know what web 2.0 meant! So now, at the end of the course, I am truly amazed at what is out there and fully aware that I have only just scratched the surface of what all these technologies can do. In fact, I’m a little afraid that because I do not have the opportunity to use them on a regular basis, I will lose my learning! I don’t want that to happen.

My least favorite week involved the social networking because I struggled, and still struggle, with its application in the classroom. I do not really want to have a social network available to students because I am concerned with the ways it can be misused and have trouble seeing its benefits in my classroom. I also struggled with thinking of ways to use a wiki when a blog seemed to do much the same thing, but since the class has progressed, I think that a class wiki for different projects would be great, and I want to use a wiki in my classroom.

Photosharing and YouTube were interesting. Again, I’m not sure how to use photosharing with a class in terms of them placing photos on the web, and I have similar reservations about YouTube. However, YouTube does have great clips and interesting videos to share, but because there is so much questionable material, I would want to make sure that I pulled specific video from the site to use in the classroom. I think that TeacherTube is a far more valuable resource to me professionally.

Podcasting. Wow! The things I did not know about it before I began and the appreciation I have for it after last week’s assignment has caused me to completely reverse my thinking. I can see so many uses for Podcasting. I would love to be able to read pieces, or download pieces of literature, poetry, and drama for students to listen to, especially students who are absent or who are slow learners. Having the ability to review material on their own via an iPod, MP3, or computer is extremely valuable. I really want to use this in class soon.

Finally, my favorite thing—Jing! I can see so many immediate uses for this program that my head is spinning. At the moment because of the restraints of our school and its technology (and the sites it blocks) using Jing from school would not work. But, it could be supplemental material for students who have access to computers. I have already created a Jing about using citationmachine.net, which would be a great thing for students to have at their fingertips next quarter when we do research. I know Annie O’Connor created a Jing about MLA formatting for school papers. I could create one that shows students step by step how to write an in-text parenthetical citation. I could also use it to show students how to write a thesis statement, grammar exercises, the Six Traits of Writing…the possibilities just seem endless. While I am still having difficulty uploading this program, I want to figure it out very soon so that I can use it with students.

There were times during this class that I really thought I would not be able to figure out how to use all of this technology, but I am truly glad that I made it to the end. Thank you for your patience and all your help. I would recommend this class to anyone who asks what is good to take at Yavapai College!