Final Exam. Course Reflection.
In light of this one class, I have decided to become a teacher. The course provided some very helpful information not only in terms of technology, but also in overall teaching strategy. Throughout the semester, I have engaged in many critical thinking activities that have not only strengthened my technological literacy, but also encouraged the thought process for assignments in my classroom. As the semester progressed, I noticed that I was already improving in my general understanding of teaching. I learned that my assignments must be very thorough and interesting. My biggest concern for many of my assignments was the depth that I had created. I have collected many skills that will more than likely provide useful to my teaching experiences. English 3241, has not only encouraged me to become a teacher, it has made the decision relatively easy and enjoyable.
In this semester with English 3241, I have collected many beneficial resources for my teaching career. First, the final assignment, our Digital Media presentation, was extremely useful. I learned how to create a movie that could be shown to my classrooms, and keep the student’s attention and provoke their considerations, analyses, and thought process. Next, the online blog, was something I never considered as being useful in a classroom, however, after creating and exploring the concept of online blogs, I have found that it can become a valued tool for classrooms. The online blog can help me keep an entire portfolio for my students to access at anytime for assignments, homework, or even something as simple as a course schedule. In my journey through the English major, I hope to use my blog to stockpile created assignments and useful websites for my students. Being that I am very technologically sound, I believe I can create assignments from videos and other technology very easily.
I did not see any assignment that didn’t expand my technological knowledge. Some projects seemed tedious, considering the over-use of certain pieces of technology, but in light, these only expanded our awareness of such programs and tools. An aspect that could have been improved is the vast expanse of smaller items that were shown, such as various websites such as teachertube, wikispaces, and even wikipedia. These assignments made us familiar with such websites, but in the end seemed to clutter our collective, instead of providing useful. I felt that the class as a whole, benefited from every assignment or suggestion, no matter how miniscule they seemed. Each website or resource provided just one more option for us and our students.
Overall, English 3241 has opened my eyes to a new world of classroom learning. The potential of technology is limitless, and with this lack of boundaries, we find that some of this information can be relevant and helpful to future generations. If we simply cannot get a student to read a novel, perhaps we can still make them understand the concepts portrayed, through another means, such as technology. Our youth responds to technology with great interest, and incorporating it into the classroom is a giant leap in educating them.
Thanks for an eye-opening semester Crovitz, I look forward to working with you, and using your guidance throughout my journey to becoming a teacher.
