Reflection: Week 2

What?

In class this week, we had the opportunity to learn a lot about the various features of Gmail and Google. Some of the things we covered in class include iGoogle, Google Calendars, Google Documents, Google Presentations, and Google Spreadsheets. Although I have worked with most of these programs before, I had never been taught how to correctly use them and all the awesome tools that are available for free usage. I am really excited to continue learning about and working with these programs, especially Google Documents. Not only is this program going to be helpful in the future, but it is helpful now while I am in the education program because we are assigned so many group projects and it is often difficult to meet together. The assignments we were given this week were the Welcome Letter through Google Documents and Classroom Rules Presentation through Google Presentations.

So What?

I have never been a computer whiz, but it has been a lot of fun learning about some kinds of technology I would have never discovered on my own. I think it is crucial for students going through the education program to take instructional media so we can keep up with current technology and utilize it in the classroom. I bet most of the students involved in the education program can do simple things on the computer like use an e-mail account and probably even a facebook account, but may not be aware of the many other features available to enhance classroom learning. In only two weeks of being in this class, I have realized how important it will be to stay current with other forms of communication, like twitter. I have now seen the advantages of twitter being used in a classroom when I never would have even thought about using it. Personally, I am not a huge fan of twitter, but I can see how students would enjoy using a different source of technology to ask questions or give feedback on a lesson.

As I previously stated, I am going to use these programs we discovered in my other classes this semester. I already mentioned how Google Documents has been a great discovery and I plan to use it throughout my college education and even to collaborate with colleagues in my future career. Another valuable tool I enjoyed learning about is the Google Calendar. I am a busy girl and my life is packed with tasks and events. Sometimes it can be hard to keep all of these straight while I am worrying about homework, extracurricular activities, birthdays, etc., but now, I will be reminded about any event I need to attend or any task I need to fulfill. Although I am still getting to know this program, I am excited about the advantages and assistance it is going to bring me.

Now What?

I was really nervous for this class at first because like I said, I am not a computer whiz. But if we keep learning about these kinds of programs, which I hope we do, this class is going to be enjoyable and I will carry the information with me into my career. My content area is health and I think another name for the class could be "life skills." I assume it is my responsibility to help my students understand their bodies, emotions, and help them learn how to figure things out on their own. I think it would be really fun and valuable if I could teach my High School students about the advantages of Gmail and Google. If I would have known about all of these programs previously, my college education could have gone more smoothly. I could then give my students various assignments using these tools, including research projects and PowerPoint presentations. This would help them develop interpersonal skills on working and collaborating with others. It would be really fun if I could even somehow figure out a way to give my students the opportunity to collaborate with out-of-state, or international High School students. I know my students would learn a ton by doing so and would probably remember the experience for their entire life.

I am anxious to start my teaching career and want to become the best teacher I can possibly be. I know if I can become more "techno-savvy," my students will be impressed with my skills and will enjoy learning through different methods. I can't wait to continue learning about technology and to use it often so I will be able to utilize its advantages in my own classroom.

Video Reflection:

I am proud to be an American. I am proud to live in a country where we are offered so much freedom, have the power to make choices, and chose where we want our life to go. I agree with the boy in this video, "I am What I Learn," in the fact that we can chose how to live our life regardless of our circumstances. I truly believe that you can do or become whatever you want by hard work, honesty, and perseverance.

I grew up in a well-off family and as the youngest of four older brothers. I was always the "precious princess" in our family who everyone assumed would just marry a rich man, never finish college, and live off of my husband's wealth. Because this used to make me so angry, I am showing them how I can work just as hard as them and be independently successful. As a senior in college, I have managed to get through almost all 4 years on scholarship with a high GPA. I plan to have a career and want to be a good example to my future children.

Although my situation could have been much worse, I think it is motivating to listen to such a young boy encourage success. So many people blame their failures on others, but we just need to realize that we are ultimately responsible for our own destiny.