Final Reflection

     I really enjoyed this class. I work in a technology field, Cyber Transport for the Air Force, and yet I learned some new tools in using technology that I was not aware. Concept mapping is a huge one.

     I have never heard about concept mapping before this class, but having a visual road map of lessons is a great way to keep on track. The ease of putting them together using the Inspiration software is invaluable! This can be used not only in the classrooms, but in everyday life to map out goals. I loved the ease of adding color and pictures to these as well.

     Another useful tool is the assistive technology used for special needs students. I have never really explored the different options that Windows has to offer, so I was amazed when I was shown these options. We have a secretary working with us that has trouble reading the computer screen, so I immediately went over to show her how to use these features. She now has it much easier now that she can see the screen better.

    I think the most valuable tool I learned in this class is the Turn It In web tool. I did not realize there was a place I can go and check out to make sure I am not plagiarizing. Although I cannot use this for the classes I am currently teaching, I can definitely use it as a student. I firmly believe that all students should be taught how to use this valuable tool starting in high school. 

    Believe it or not, the most helpful tool was the RubiStar for making rubrics. We learned this just in time, because I was able to use it for a homework assignment in another class. I was able to customize a template that was offered, so using RubiStar was a huge time saver for the project I created.

    My strong points in this class besides helping April and Rick through the different projects is a tie between building the student concept map and building the movie using the Movie Maker tool. I enjoyed mapping out the lesson and choosing the different pictures for the topic/subtopic nodes. I am confident that I can give that student map to any of my students learning fiber optics, and they would be more interested learning than from reading the textbooks we are currently handing out.

    Creating the movie for my painter friend, Erika was another strong point for me. I was just so motivated to create a strong, beautiful movie for her using the cool tools that the Movie Maker software provided. I loved getting to assemble the paintings, to choose the transitions and the page effects. Even searching and choosing the right music was fun. I will definitely be able to use this knowledge gained for many upcoming projects my son will undoubtedly have, as well as creating personal movies for my family who live all over the states.  

    My weak point was learning how to design the web page. I have never created one before, so diving in and trying all the different features were almost foreign in the set-up. Once I got used to where to find the different features, I was ok, but I was on shaky ground for awhile. I don’t like the limitations presented by the Google webpage, but it is free, so I can’t complain!

    Overall, this class was a high point of the semester. I looked forward to going to class, to challenge myself and to have fun. I learned new useful technology and even built myself a blog page that I hope to keep going.


:)