Stop and Reflect

            So far in C&I 438, I have put a lot of thought into what the norms of teaching and schooling are going to look like five years from now.  I already knew that online courses already exist across all grade levels, but I was interested in learning how those courses at the elementary level allow students a sufficient amount of interactions with classmates and teachers.  Through some of the elements incorporated into this class as well as the podcasts I viewed this week, I have learned that using tools that allow for synchronous communication as well as personalizing profiles allow students to feel connected to real people instead of just a computer.  I will remember these personal touches when planning and using online courses. 

            I have gained a better attitude toward changes, such as one-on-one computing, that will probably occur within my district over the next few years.  Upon reflection, I realized that the computers will just be an added tool for use in classrooms.  I will not be restricted to use the computers 100% of the time or give up the other successful tools for learning that I use currently. 

            Course management systems, Yodio, and Twitter are all pieces of technology that I had previously not explored.  I am excited to now have the ability to record using Yodio.  This skill inspired me to explore Movie Maker which was already loaded on my school computers.  I am now able to record my students reading to track their progress on audio.  I am excited to incorporate this fun way of progress monitoring in August!