We have finally come to the end of our experience and overall I enjoyed having the opportunity to play around and delve deeper into the various technologies we explored this semester. This was my first year teaching in a classroom with a SmartBoard and while I found myself really focusing on SmartNotebook and PowerPoint in my own classroom. While I was familiar with both products I by no means consider myself an expert. I have however learned a great deal through experimentation and diving right into using the software with my own students and have found these real life uses to be the most beneficial to me.
I also enjoyed learning about the various Web 2.0 tools available and found it interesting that Facebook could be used as a means of communication and sharing ideas as a class. I personally never even considered Facebook as having the potential to be anything but a distraction, but after witnessing how some of my peers have used the social networking site I am open to forming new ideas on the topic.
My favorite lesson this semester however had little to do with technology, and was more geared towards educating teachers on the importance of understanding students with various needs. As a special education teacher I witness everyday the struggles my students face and I myself have to find ways to meet their needs while helping them to grow. It can be frustrating at times, emotionally and physically draining, and often times I feel understaffed, and at a loss for what to do. But despite all these feelings I may be faced with I realize that my students are faced with far more stressful experiences. As an educator it is important to put yourself into the shoes of your students and to try to not sympathize but empathize with them.
I also enjoyed learning about the various Web 2.0 tools available and found it interesting that Facebook could be used as a means of communication and sharing ideas as a class. I personally never even considered Facebook as having the potential to be anything but a distraction, but after witnessing how some of my peers have used the social networking site I am open to forming new ideas on the topic.
My favorite lesson this semester however had little to do with technology, and was more geared towards educating teachers on the importance of understanding students with various needs. As a special education teacher I witness everyday the struggles my students face and I myself have to find ways to meet their needs while helping them to grow. It can be frustrating at times, emotionally and physically draining, and often times I feel understaffed, and at a loss for what to do. But despite all these feelings I may be faced with I realize that my students are faced with far more stressful experiences. As an educator it is important to put yourself into the shoes of your students and to try to not sympathize but empathize with them.