Reflection: Week 9

What?

This week, class was canceled in order to make it easier to collaborate with our group members and complete the webquest Key Assignment. Our final webquest is due next Wednesday, March 17th.

So What?

From the time we started this webquest until now, I have gained an appreciation and excitement for this type of learning activity. Like other assignments we have done in this class, I was overwhelmed and frustrated when we began the process, but now that it is finished I am glad to have improved my computer skills. To me, the most beneficial part of this activity was getting more familiar with powerpoint and google sites. I now know how to hyperlink webpages onto my powerpoints, create a smooth navigation system, and license my work so I can collaborate with other health educators.

I had the opportunity to complete my field experience this week in a middle school. Part of my field requirements was to teach a lesson, so I used a powerpoint to assist in teaching this seventh grade class about eating disorders. At the end of the class period, I was interviewing this teacher (Mrs. Wardrop) for my "Secondary Technology Interview." I quickly realized Mrs. Wardrop was not advanced in working with technology and she must have sensed that I am fairy good at working with technology. After the interview was finished, she asked if I could help her learn a few things about powerpoint. I was excied when she asked because I have been working closely with this application for a few weeks now. I showed Mrs. Wardrop how to change the background, format, font, and transitions on her slides. I also showed her how to add pictures (and cite them) on her powerpoint. Mrs. Wardrop was so excited and grateful to learn this information and I felt a sense of pride in being able to help her. Because of this webquest, I will now be able to help my friends and family be more familiar with powerpoint and create high-quality presentations in the future.

Now What?

While I was completing my field observations, I realized that the teacher I was observing hardly used technology at all. This teacher was a little bit older, she was probably in her fifties. She would use overheads occasionally, but most of the time she would simply talk while her students took notes. Since I have been in the education program, I have learned so much about how students learn and I know they do not like to learn simply by being "talked at." It is crucial to be knowledgeable about technology so I can incorporate movies, music, powerpoints, webquests, etc. into my classroom to engage every type of learner.

Even though I do not love to use powerpoints to teach, I do think they are more beneficial than using overheads. powerpoints are so much fun because pictures, movies, and special effects can be added to the presentations. I also like Powerpoints because it is easy to update information if it is needed. With overheads, you are stuck with the same information until you find the energy to re-type a paper, print it, and then take it to a copy center to make a transparency. I am excited to keep working with and discovering effects on powerpoints in order to benefit my future students and collaborate with my fellow health educators.

Video Reflection:

NO VIDEO REFLECTION DUE THIS WEEK