IT 365 Class overview

Before I started this class, I really had no idea what to expect from it. I really had no clue. I was definitely hoping for an easy class that I could just breeze through, but it did not turn out to be that at all. Not that I regret it now, even though it was really tough with four other summer classes, because it turns out that I actually learned some things that I can use when I am a teacher. Some of what we did, like blogger, google groups, rubistar, moviemaker and Inspiration, I had done before, but this class really gave me more practice that I found very valuable. We also did more with each of these than what I had done before, and it was probably easier for me since I was building on knowledge that I already had. I am not the kind of person who can use something once and then remember it forever, so by working with some of these things again, I was able to solidify my knowledge to a point where I do really think I will be able to find ways to use these in my class. Of course I still have more to learn about some of these, especially inspiration, and blogger too. On blogger, I still don't know how to attach a document. I feel like there must be a way, but I have yet to figure it out. And with Inspiration, there is simply so much you can do with it that using it over and over and playing with it would be the only way to learn it all. Fortunately, from the experiences I have had so far, I feel less intimidated to go in and figure it out.
While there were a lot of things I had done before, there were several things I hadn't either. I had never designed a web page before, and maybe that is why it was so difficult for me. I still don't feel confident about my ability to do it, and I kind of don't want to try again because it was so frustrating. I had also never used quizstar, trackstar, or the puzzle making site, or Turnitin. These things were new, but not particularly difficult, so I intend to take it upon myself to learn a little more about these and get more used to using them in the future.
Upon entering the class, I feel like my strongest area was my ability to figure things out quickly. I have had a great deal of experience browsing web pages, so I usually know where to look to find what I need. Also, as mentioned before, I had previous experience using many of the programs we used in class, so I consider that a strenght as well. As far as my weaknesses, I would say my overall lack of confidences using technology would be the biggest. When I haven't done something before, I feel like the task is too daunting to accomplish. I can learn quickly with most things, but I know I have limitations and that always made me feel a little nervous.
In the future I definitely plan to use technology in my classroom. I can really see myself using blogger with my students the way we are using it now. Self-reflection and expression is important, and I think this is a great way to accomplish that. I could also see myself using the concept mapping software in my classroom, because I know for a fact that many children enjoy doing these, and it provides them with an outlet for creativity as well. I also plan to use things that were not discussed in our class, such as the SMARTboards so students can interact, and maybe some digital video camera for digital storytelling. And most important of all, I plan to keep myself educated on the latest technologies so hopefully my students will never be shortchanged on technology.