Jennifer learned several new technologies in her online education course, including how to blog, create wikis and personal websites, chat online, and use features of Gmail. She plans to apply this knowledge by using her personal website and blogs for student assignments, collaborating with colleagues using online chat features, and pursuing personal development through Gmail resources. However, she feels the course moved quickly and lacked concrete instruction on using the tools before assignments were due. She would change the course by laying out all assignments at the beginning and including more content on technology options for schools with limited funds.

1. Jennifer Duggan ED 5700- Smirnova-Summer 1 2010 Midterm

2. What have I learned so far? I have learned how to blog and set up a wiki and personal website. I learned how to set up accounts on multiple websites as well as how to join groups on those sites. I have learned how to chat on online chatting sources such as Webex and WiziQ. As well as how to upload information onto the whiteboard on the site. I learned that there is so much more to Gmail and how to get the most out of the sites I access. I have learned there is so much technology that is available to teachers of ‘digital learners’ and the importance of using Web 2.0 technologies in the classroom.

3. How can I apply my knowledge? I will be using the personal website in order to keep my students and parents connected with me. I will put assignments on the site as well as resources for students and parents. I will use blogging and wiki’s for assignments, most likely extra credit assignments or large projects. I would use the chat features of WiziQ and Gmail in order to collaborate with colleagues; and use the Gmail resources for personal development.

4. How would I explain this class to a new student? This class is a class that will increase your knowledge of technology in the classroom. You will learn about resources that you can use to enhance your students knowledge and abilities, not only with technology, but with content. This class is very intense and you hit the ground running, so be prepared to do your work and ask questions if needed!

5. How do I feel about this course? I have lots of questions, but by asking them I become less confused and am able to complete the work. The class is very intense, and there is a lot of work. I do wish things were more concrete and laid out ahead of time. I do wish that we had more face to face time with the teacher to learn how to use the tools before having to complete assignments. I know we are supposed to work through our weaknesses, however I feel I would do better and learn more if I first understood the technology.

6. What would I change about this course? I would have every assignment laid out at the beginning, so students who wish to do work ahead of time can, and those who do not understand can have an idea of what is to come. By opening all the weeks documents at the very beginning of the course, people who wish to do work ahead of time can. I would also like more assignments that talk about what school districts with limited funds can do for their ‘digital natives’.