Coming to the end of the Things is like swimming in a kiddy pool full of $247 worth of pudding. It's cool, refreshing, and squishy. Honestly, I did not think I would enjoy the 23 Things as much as I did. My favorite discovery on this journey was turning myself into a digital cartoon. My kids made a "Wii" version of me, but my Avatar in the "Here's me in digits" post is a true portrait. Creating the Animoto video with my photos and adding music was pretty exciting too.
The 23 Things program has given me useful knowledge of Web 2.0 tools that I can use to create fun interactive activities for my future students. My lifelong learning goals have been enhanced by the program by helping me organize and keep track of my goals. I learned many things that I had no idea existed just five short weeks ago.
The Education 3040 class is chalk full of "things", projects, group work, and presentations. My only concern was the amount of time that went into the homework. I always felt like I was rushed. Don't get me wrong, I learned a great deal- I just think the course load is too much for the 5 week Summer term. Dr. Wall once told me that students who attend the long Spring and Fall terms must complete the same program of study to earn their 3 college credit hours. It would not be fair for the 5 week students to do less to earn the 3 college credit hours. I believe that is a fair statement that examples Dr. Wall's fairness across the board. If I knew then, what I know now, I would have taken this course in the Spring or Fall to have more time to complete all the tasks and projects. My family, my garden, and my animals suffered this past 5 weeks because I simply had no time to do anything except this course.
I know that some of the things I've learn will go into daily practice when I become a teacher. Much of it will be shelved in the bookmarks of my virtual library until such time comes that requires their use. A few items will be put in my "info dumpster". Overall, this was a worth while project. I will continue to receive news and information in my Google Reader. I will continue to subscribe to Dan Bach's dansmath.com and I will continue to be a part of the Teacher Pop professional network. Thank you all for your comments.
Now - a PERSONAL One Last Thing from me to all readers - I once heard a radio interview by Penn Jillette (from the comedy duo Penn and Teller). He was on an airplane sitting next to a man who began to speak to him about the love of God. Penn, being an athiest, was a little annoyed. He listened patiently and politely. The plane landed and both men went on their way. Later, Penn reflected on the experience. Penn said, "How much would you have to hate someone NOT to tell them about the love of God?" Atheist or not, Penn was moved by the experience and realized the man's intentions were coming from the love of God. So I make it a point to tell you- I don't hate you- I want you to know God loves you and I love you. I'm not perfect by any means- but I know someone who loves all of us no matter what.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Agreed, Shannon. The course was quite intense. There was little time to do much else for the past five weeks, especially coupled with the Psych course. I appreciate your insight in both classes. That's a really good head sitting on your shoulders, albeit, at a rather low altitude.... Best wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your posts, Shannon. I am gratified that you understood my comment about the content of summer classes versus regular semester courses. In reality, the classes in both formats have the same amount of contact hours, just less time in between!
ReplyDelete