Reflection

This course has given me more confidence in using technology in my classroom. I am still hesitant in using a blog since I cannot monitor postings for inappropriate material. I am excited at the idea of using webcasts and have found several I would like to use this year, but I struggle with finding time to complete them with the ever growing subject demands. I am still growing towards being comfortable trusting my students' learning to more technology driven modes, but it is a process and I am making conscious efforts to reach this goal. I am excited to begin my next course so that I might learn more ways in which I can effectively teach my students through various technologies. One goal I set for myself when entering this course was to make a class website, which I have already begun (scmsearthscience.weebly.com). It is still a work in progress, but I am surprised at how easy it is to modify and the extent of applications I can use with it. Another goal of mine was to get at least one classroom computer so that I could send students to remediation or extension websites as necessary. Though this has not been accomplished yet, I have been promised a computer to be in my room in the coming week. My system is severely lacking in working technology and it is an almost miracle that I am getting this computer. I have been asking constantly for over a year and even offered to donate a system, but was told, "No." Before beginning my master's program, I had a private meeting with our superintendent, and I asked him how I would be able to use my degree to it's fullest if I do not have the equipment needed. Unfortunately, budget cuts have left updating technology as a last priority, and I will just have to be creative with what I have. Of course, I would love to have multiple classroom computers for my students, but I will use it as a station in a rotation for the time being until something becomes available.