Final Project, What I have learned

What I have learned, well my perspective on the direction of education has certainly changed! I had some major fears when it came to posting "myself" on the world wide web. So, additionally this class also taught me a lot about myself. Most of all this second time around I found a new reason to pursue these interests. Even though it may not be appropriate to work with my one and two-year-olds, it is appropriate and also necessary to evolve our ways of communicating in order to reach the greatest number of parents and caregivers. The parents I am currently working with range in the ages of 17 and 22. They are using more modern communications in their daily lives. And are much more familiar than I am.

Not only will I have a greater understanding of the many ways to share and collaborate with my families, we are able to bring extended families into the young children lives as well. We have Father's stationed overseas and away at college. By creating a wiki for the class these Fathers can see their children as well as share with our class what they are going through. It is an awesome resource!

I'm still not too keen on the youtube video of myself, but I really like the idea of audioboo. With the audio files I can get a little more personal and educate via audio which can be a benefit to some audio learners. I like the idea of posting an audio link of words of the week as well as songs and fingerplays. Not only can the parents listen so they can share with their children they can burn a copy if they would like and listen with their children to encourage their learning, especially our speech learners who are having some challenges.

I know I have had some extra difficulties and frustrations compared to some of my peers. I have seen some beautiful final projects! But I know for myself I have opened a door that will never be locked again. I will no longer feel disabled when it comes to learning to use basic technological advances such as skype, wikis, blogs, photo-sharing and editing, audio and youtube tools. I have our textbook as a guide to encourage me to continue this journey. I will continue to play with these resources and I am in the middle of getting permission for the use of the classroom wiki. One family is not comfortable with posting pictures of their child. I am finding however, that I can take pictures without faces and may be ok. In addition I am learning how to advocate for the greater benefits of these tools. As well as learning more about editing and privacy controls. I have also learned that there is a wealth of images and audio at my disposal so I amy be able to create a more visual space while respecting the wishes of my families. I know this will continue to be a learning process and it is just the beginning.

wrapping up

Here I am reflecting and preparing for my final project for class. What a journey!! After all this I am still a little bit overwhelmed. But so glad to be here. If it were not for this class I would contiune to walk aimlessly a void to the advances in educational technology. I know this is just the beginning of a long road.