Technology Triumph

I can't believe this semester is drawing to a close. This class has definitely been a challenge for me. I would not have considered myself completely tech illiterate, but I was a far cry from savvy. I was very nervous when I begin this class, because I worried if I would be able to keep up or understand what was going on. As I reflect, I must admit that for the most part things were not as bad as I thought they may be. I did leave in tears a few nights because I felt overwhelmed and for one reason or another technology was not going my way. I tried to put this class into perspective and I realized that I have learned many new technologies and I'm armed with some new projects to accentuate my lessons. Learning and growth are the most important things. That is what I tell my students, so I guess I need to practice what I preach.
I know I'm more confident because I don't panic right away when something doesn't work out. I still panic, just not as quickly as before. Now I try again or try a different way to make it work. I would have not done this before.
I have begun to include technology into my weekly lesson plans. I find myself asking what technology element could I add to this unit. I know that the technologies I have learned in this course will benefit me as a teacher and as a professional. I want to continue exploring new technologies and try out new projects with my students.
I know I will begin a class Blog. I will be creating digital text, and making podcast and Inspiration creations regularly. I will do more webquests with my students, and I plan to create a webquest for our Social Studies and Science units. I already use my social bookmarks regularly. I hope to make a class wiki and a threaded discussion to help my students collaborate on projects and assignments.
I really enjoyed creating this last Inspiration assignment. It is so much better than my first Inspiration creation.