Thing 23

This class has given me the opportunity to explore many of the Web 2.0 tools available. Although I have been aware of many of the tools through workshops I have taken, I never took the time to explore them to any great extent. Taking this class encouraged me to make the time to try the tools. Being an on-line, self-paced class allowed me to complete the assignments on my time schedule. I found this to be a plus as a computer is usually not far away whether at home or at school. Having never blogged before presented the obstacle of what to say and how to say it. However, during the course of the last few weeks it has become comfortable to state my ideas and opinions. Also, the suggestions on how to comment on blogs and make a contribution was a good lesson to learn.

Since I teach computer classes, I have always viewed computer use from the perspective of the software. The Internet was incorporated into the class but not the main focus of the class. This class has made me realize there are tools on the Internet that students may already be using that could be incorporated into the classroom environment. Of course, this would depend on the district allowing student access to some of the tools that are now blocked.

As an educator, it is important to keep up with the latest trends. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to take this class as computer use is changing to incorporate Web 2.0 tools. This trend will become more apparent as teachers infuse more of these tools into their curriculum. I plan to continue to visit the tools already learned and to find a way to use them in my classes.

This class has emphasized that education is always evolving. In today's world the changes are occurring at a faster pace. Consequently, it is important for all educators to become aware of new methods and to incorporate them into their classroom for the benefit of their students.