The Journey Continues!

The end of Literacy and Technology is just the beginning!  Here is a quote from one of my first blogs (a whopping 3 weeks ago), The Spin Cycle; "this influx of new information has my brain feeling like it is on the Spin Cycle. These bits of information are spinning around and around aimlessly and not really forming any cohesiveness with what I already know [or thought I knew] about technology".  That was how I felt back then.  How do I feel now?

The influx of new information was very much needed.  I did not know that most of the tools we were exposed to even existed.  These tools make collaboration possible anytime, anywhere, and anyhow.  Tools such as, Wiziq, Googledocs, Glogster, and Webex, make it possible to work as a team, distance-learn, and be creative.  Presentation tools like Prezi and Smilebox have modernized the 'art of the presentation'; giving new life to an otherwise bland presentation.

There is cohesiveness now.  Throughout these five weeks I have been making connections between Web 2.0, Web 1.0, and standard curriculum.  I don't claim to know all there is to know.  I do however feel that this class has provided a solid base for understanding how technology can support learning for our students.  The video of a 7th grader's account of her Personal Learning Environment (The Future of the Classroom on my sidebar) is a glimpse into the [not so distant] future.  The course readings have made me acutely aware of the impact of technology on education.  Stephen Downs' (education and technology guru) website is a must for every educator's Favorites Bar.  In fact, I subscribe to his RSS Feed now.  I have this class to thank for knowing what RSS is and how to use it.

Web 1.0 sites are static.  Web 2.0 sites are dynamic.  They are sites that we can collaborate on, add to, express ourselves, and make an impact.  The video on my sidebar entitled "Digital Media = Happiness" makes this point in a very systematic way.  Students want to make an impact.  Students want to be heard.  Students want to express themselves in creative ways.  This is what drives happiness according to the video.  I couldn't agree more.  As a student, I find it extremely satisfying when peers comment on what I have done, when I see one of my projects in a public forum, and when I get the chance to learn from those that have more knowledge than me.  I now see that technology, specifically Web 2.0, makes all of this possible.

All of this new knowledge would have just passed me by if not for this amazing class. 

Dr Smirnova's contagious enthusium had me on my laptop constantly (both for fun and for work).  Thank you Dr. Smirnova! 

My peers are truly an exceptional group of people.  The entire class was extremely helpful.  We are all thrown into the fire at the same time and everyone helps each other out.  Thank you to the members of the Tech Quad (Veronica Freeman, Susan Gunther, Kelly Lake).  I learned a great deal from all of you and really enjoyed working together.