"Aha" Moments

During this course I have tried to take the readings and technology products and apply them to myself, my classroom and my future position as a librarian. The biggest "aha" I have had has been that new technology does not have to be scary. I have also truly enjoyed learning about these new tools and challenging myself to find ways that I can practically apply them. The two new tools that I think I will be using the most are Jing and Google Sites. I think Jing would be a great tool for storytelling in my classroom. I can also use it as a librarian to post booktalks on the library website and tutor teachers on how to use new technologies or websites. The eportfolio project has inspired me to create my own professional portfolio to use for resume purposes. I am planning on specifically applying these new tools to my librarian position and showing how I would utilize them to improve the library program.

At the beginning of the course I mostly used technology as a back up when I wasn't able to give my students the real experience. I have now realized that it can be so much more, if I am just willing to put in the time to explore. Technology is such a part of my students' everyday lives and more a part of mine than I even realized. As I stated in my original philosophy, I believe that great teachers latch on to students' interests and work on their level. This course has helped to give me the push to do that with technology and hopefully be a better teacher for "Generation D".