Marlen+Final+Reflection

Marlen Final Reflection

Dr. C,

First of all, I want to thank you for the wonderful experience this class has been. This is my first semester in my graduate program, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Of the two classes I was taking, I would most look forward to this course. I have to preface my following statements with a little background. I have a biology degree with a chemistry minor. All of my undergraduate work was pure drill and kill…relying on rote memory, and not enough critical thinking. As a result, I didn’t do as well as I would’ve like in my undergraduate coursework. I started the semester a little hesitant about pursuing my master’s, perhaps because I lacked the self-esteem. I learned that I can indeed succeed in school, thanks to this class. I also figured out that I learned best by doing, and not by reading and regurgitating. From my products, I have learned that I can implement the use of technology with all ranges of student skill. I am most proud of the fact that I was complemented by yourself, a true expert, on some of my products. I have never considered myself to be a creative person, but sometimes when using some of your suggested applications, my creativity would just flow. Since I am blessed to have a laptop cart in my classroom, and a designated computer lab in my department, I try to use technology in every lesson. I try to thoroughly research different applications for each lesson, versus falling into the conundrum of repetition. My current concern with technology is that many applications, and sites are blocked within my school district, and I am slowly overcoming them by educating our technology department and administrators on the benefit of certain tools. In regards to teaching, I am concerned that I will not be able to keep up with the times, due to the explosion in mobile learning. I am already working on overcoming this minor obstacle by subscribing to blogs and journals that other educators put out there. Although I fear not being able to keep up with the technology boom, I am excited about the direction it is going, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us. I am also excited about teaching with all the tools I have added to my tool belt, because of this class. I will teach in the twenty-first century. Anyone will walk in and see my students on a computer or device, engaged, and excited about learning. All in all, I will truly miss this class. I have created a bond with my senior level students, because of this course. They actually looked forward to me coming in on Mondays and explaining my next assignment or project, and being my guinea pigs. I make a difference in the lives of my students in several ways, by inspiring and motivating them, but quite honestly, they make a huge difference in my life. Every day I learn something new from them, whether it’s the latest dance moves Drake has to offer, or how beetles give the red color to red velvet cake. I think the biggest contribution I make to their lives is by being their biggest fan and advocate. I believe each one has the potential to do great things, which is the reason I went into education.

Best Regards, Marlen P. Jimenez