I am going to take this time to start from the beginning of my EDM310 class and give you an overview of what happened.
Before class started I received an email from Dr. Strange going into more detail about the class. The main two things I remembered about that email was, to have an additional 15 hours a week to work on projects for this class. The other thing I remember is that there were four mandatory days during the semester that we had to attend class. After reading that email I thought my only problem would be attending the first day of class, because I had court that day due to my divorce. My ex and I agreed to postpone the court date and I was able to make it to class.
I started out pretty good, kept up with my downloads, questionnaire, and a couple
blogs, but then it went down from there. I put too much on myself this semester. When I started the semester I already had two children and was pregnant with my third. I decided to take four classes this semester, continued to work, and was extremely tired. Unfortunately, I would choose sleep over doing my blogs and staying on top of my work.
I did continue to do my group projects and really enjoyed doing them. We all meshed well together and brought different ideas to the table. By doing so, I believe we made some great videos for future EDM310 students to learn from.
When I started this class I did not know much of anything when it came to the computer. Yes, I could access my email, I have a facebook account, and could watch videos on UTube, but that was probably all I could do. Now, I can add links and videos to my own blog.
I really enjoyed this class and everything I learned. Most of the assigned videos were very inspirational and something I could relate to. Even when I got behind I still enjoyed watching them. I was really proud of myself when I would add a link or video to one of my blogs or on a comment I made to one of my fellow students' blogs.
The advice I would give for any student taking this class next semester or any to follow is to stay on top of their work. Although, the summer semester is a lot faster they could still get behind during the fall or spring semester as well. I would encourage them to enjoy the class and not get too over whelmed. Yes, it is a lot of work, but it is worth it.
Some of my favorite blogs to read and teachers to follow are Karl Fisch, Michael Wesch, and Joe McClung. The one teacher I wish I could follow, but cannot because he died back in 2008 is Randy Pausch. I will highly recommend them to see every and all of his videos. Here is a link to his Last Lecture video. Another recommendation I would give is to use Symbaloo as their PLN. I love how it is easy to use and how organized it is.
Although I did not stay on top of my class work and got really far behind I was pretty much able to catch up. No, I do not recommend anyone to do what I did, but I am proud of myself for catching up. I always try to see things on the bright side, and in this case I can honestly say I really enjoyed everything I have learned and plan on implementing this knowledge when I am a teacher.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Alba Middle School
I am so glad to see a local teacher thinking outside the box. Her students did a wonderful job! I love the way she allowed them to express their opinion. Students need to know they can and should speak up when something is bothering them. I can tell how much they enjoyed doing this video. They really put some thought and emotion into it. I hope they keep up the great work!