Reflection

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
I really enjoyed learning about the relevant applications of all Web 2.0 tools, especially the WebQuest. I have heard about the value of these web tools and browsed some pre-made WebQuests on the Internet, but I never thought I would be capable of creating my own. It was very validating to complete a project that challenged me to push myself to do something out of my comfort zone. I genuinely believe that various forms of technology, literature and learning should be infiltrated into the classroom on a routine basis. Using a WebQuest helps to integrate these multiple forms of literature, while also ensuring that activities have meaning and purpose. WebQuests are based of authentic, real-word questions and give students direction to complete a task, while also giving them freedom and choice to explore areas of interest. These inquiry based overarching questions encourage students to question society and their role in our ever-changing world from the comfort of their own classroom. Not only do WebQuests spark interest and discussion, but they also promote genuine critical thinking and understanding.


How has this course assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
This course has helped me to open my eyes to the bigger picture of education and learning. It is imperative to bridge the gap between how students live and how they learn by guiding them to use their knowledge and skills in the context of modern life. We are currently in a technological era where computer proficiency improves students’ success in learning, job acquisition and daily living. Lack of such competency clearly narrows ones ability to access resources, network online, and connect with important civic information. In essence, if we aren’t encouraging students to become 21st century learners, we aren’t preparing them for a world in which they will be expected to be technologically literate.


Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this course that surprised you?
When enrolling in the course I was excited about the idea of learning more about technology and Web 2.0 tools, but I wasn’t sure about how much I would actually be able to use with my primary elementary special education students. I was genuinely (and pleasantly) surprised by how relevant the information to all student populations. There was not one learning module that I completed and still thought it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to use with my students. I am walking away with tons of ideas to help myself as a teacher (social bookmarks), my students (webquests), and my school community (wiki’s).

What could we do differently to improve upon this course’s format or concept?
I honestly feel that the organization of the course, including professors notes, discussion areas and project assignments were all great. The notes for every new tool always gave us a basic foundation of understanding, which was really helpful since I wasn’t familiar with all of the tools. The remainder of the learning module presented an ideal level of scaffolding. Notes were introduced with an explicit description of the tool, including videos so we had a concrete illustration of these tools in use. Following that, examples and teachers responses of the tool were provided to give us some insight into what has worked or not worked in the past. The discussion questions and assignments gave me enough guidance to feel like I could meet the assignments expectations, but at the same time were open-ended enough to really allow me to explore ideas most relevant to my career.


If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate?
Not only would I enjoy taking another class on web-based learning tools, but I think it’s important for all educators to do so. In our ever-growing and changing world, technology tools and Internet resources are updated daily. It is necessary for the school environment to be created as a microcosm of society. The knowledge and learning that is being constantly created and recreated in the classroom must always be purposefully connected to our ever changing and growing technology infused world. Right now I feel competent to successfully integrate multiple Web 2.0 tools into the classroom, but by next year I bet there will be even more updated tools that are easier to use, more efficient and more productive. As educators, we need to be up to date on this information so that we can keep our students learning and growing at the same fast-paced rate.