Narrative+Reflection

In this course, I feel that we have covered a lot of ground when it comes to utilizing Web 2.0 Technologies. In the past 9 weeks, I have learned multiple ways of communicating with others and being able have access to information which I would have never known be so convenient in order to have the information come to my attention rather than I looking for it. I would hesitate to use these tools of social networks like twitter, blogs, and screencasts due to the fact of being worried that putting yourself out there can affect you in a negative way. Knowing now the power of Web 2.0 Technologies, I wouldn’t see it any other way of growing knowledge as a learner and an educator. As for the Flipped Classroom Instruction, this is a big step to education in the 21st Century. I teach large class with small time to instruct in my library classes and this would be a way to fulfill students to be instructed at home and do the independence practices in the classroom as they are able to do their research assignment and getting a book to read for both knowledge and enjoyment.

I thought it was really cool how we were able to communicate through Google Hangout. Most of all, I learned so much from you all, my classmates. I will be sure to keep up using Web 2.0 Technologies to learn new teaching techniques, new technologies to use in the classroom, and new ways to motivate my students to learn in the 21st Century with video making projects, telecommunication sites that is provided online communication for student reflect and learn with each other and on their own, and using Web 2.0 Technologies to keep growing in the classroom. This class has given me a big jump for me in the ideals Digital Wisdom. I learned so much from you all this semester, imagine what I am going learn from all the great educators as I can observe and learn from more blogs, wikis, subscriptions to my Google Reader, educational media sites, and social networks. The reflections and feedbacks that we have discussed with each other overall made me a better learner and a better educator. So thank you all and Good Luck in using these tools in your schools. I will still be in contact with you all through Web 2.0 Technologies in cyberspace

Thank you, Timothy Quinn

Please feel free to respond to my reflection below:

Tim,

I couldn't agree more with you about learning from each other. It sounds like your school's library really offers a wealth of resources to their students. Now that you have added background with the material covered in class, you can take it to even new levels. I agree with you about being hesitant to take on certain technologies such as screencasts and twitter for the fear of people trying to find something negative. I did put myself out there a little this year when I put together my classroom blog. However, I was very careful when setting privacy settings so that NOTHING is posted unless it is approved by me first, even if the principal or a colleague comments on the students' work, it goes through me first. For awhile, I am going to be that careful, so that it does not cause me any difficulties. That is honestly why I prefer using a blog over a wiki. Good luck in your future and I hope to get a chance to collaborate with you again!

-Erin

Hi Tim, I think we all did a great deal of work this semester and learned a lot. Using technology, especially when you are not all that familiar with some of it takes time, practice, and re-doing. Things that frankly teachers today don't have time for with all that is being placed upon them. One thing that I leave with after reading your reflection and Erin's, and after doing my own, is that if a school or district is really going to commit to technology integration, then a couple of things must go along with that.

1. On-going and continual staff development in whatever the school or district is utilizing in the way of software and/or hardware 2. This can be accomplished during weekly PD time or Superintendent's Conference Days 3. Provide the resources and ensure support -- if the plan is to implement iPads, then there should be enough for a full class and make sure IT is capable/ready to support them.

Regards, Linda