Liz

Liz

Dear Dr. McGregor,

I cannot tell you how much your class has changed my personal and professional life. I have enjoyed all of the projects tremendously and have helped me to understand how much technology is part of the life of my students. Furthermore, technology is also used to learn and discover new information. As a result of participating in this class, I learned that I was not being flexible in the use of technology in class. At my current job, we are having many problems with internet connection and students do not have access to technology. I was a little discouraged at the beginning of the class. However, all of my students with the exception of few have phones. I encouraged them to use their phones in class. I realized that they enjoyed having access to the information immediately. It changed my view of technology. The opportunity of creating my products helped me to realize how fascinating technology really is and how can enrich the lives of my students. I really enjoyed discovering new ways of presenting information in class. Furthermore, I know all the steps required to complete a task. It helps me to give my students clear instructions when I am assigning a project to them. Directions are very important and students need clear directions. In addition, the opportunity of creating my products makes me feel capable of keeping up with technology. I would like for my students to know that I enjoy using technology and it is also part of who I am. Every time I read an assignment, I always thought that I was not going to be able to do some of the projects. However, the more I researched I realized that I can do it. I liked every project we did in class. The projects opened my eyes that I can use technology in class. Next time I use technology, I will not be scared to explore new apps and products. Technology is not only helping my students but also it is helping in my job. I can present the information in class using technology. I can also plan student-center projects. It is important for students to discover new information on their own. Moreover, this information needs to apply in real-life situations. This type of learning is more meaningful. One of the aspects that I am concerned about using technology is that not all of my students have access to technology. Couple of weeks ago, we had a project in class and my students used their phones. Unfortunately, I had two students who do not have cell phones. I was prepared and I let my two students used my work IPad and my personal IPad. Another concern is the internet connection at the school is not the best and the connection is very slow. However, I believe that these problems will not keep me from using technology in my classroom. Perhaps I am most excited to use the new information I learned in this class. My desire is to challenge my students. I believe that using technology will help them to succeed in life. We are all part of a global community and they need to learn to use it responsibly. In addition, I would like to use all the tools that I learned in class. Now I can make videos and upload them in my website. These videos can help the students to review the lessons that they have missed. Definitely, I will teach in the twenty-first century. I grew up in the twentieth century and education was very different. Technology opens up a new world in the classroom. We can bring the world to the students. Students can explore and discover new information. I have partnered with a school in Spain. Thanks to technology, my students can connect to students in other part of the world. It is exciting how technology has changed the world and education. The use of technology has changed my ways of presenting information to the students. It is a tool that I used daily to make a difference in my students’ lives. In addition, I am encouraging the students to use technology in the classroom. As I mentioned before, this class has changed me tremendously. I am planning on keep using technology in class.

Thanks so much for all your help. I have enjoyed the class tremendously.

Carmen Wilson (Liz)