Looking back at to the beginning of this class, it surprises me how long ago it seems. Granted, a full 6-week class with a break in the middle can be a long time, but some of the tools that I was experimenting with at the beginning of this class (Zoho Writer, GoAnimate, 280 slides) are now fully entrenched in my planning for next year. In fact, in a few weeks, I'll be teaching a class to my fellow staff members that will include Zoho Writer and TypeWithMe.
This makes me hopeful that students will be able to do the same as I infuse more technology into my classroom. As I've found the idea of technological literacy to be important, I think students will be more inclined to think that way if they have more tools at the ready.
All in all, this was the type of class I was hoping to take when I signed up for the program. I was able to take what I learned here and apply it in my classroom immediately, but it has also given me some things to think about in the long term. In 2011 and 2012, I'll be looking to use these programs more often, regularly giving students a choice in their presentation tool, and including a project-based assessment in more units.
Rob,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you found the class beneficial. You did an excellent job!
I remember attending seminars when the whole Web 2.0 revolution was just getting started and I found it very easy to incorporate the programs I was being introduced to. Though, as we discussed as a class, many of these online software suites don't have the full functionality of their desktop counterparts, they do provide portability and flexibility.
I hope all goes well with your implementation of these software tools. Good luck!