From+the+Heart

WOW! I am done with my Wiki and I want to tell you some things...

When I first began this class I was terrified! I did not even know how to upload a picture onto my computer! Now I have an entire 'toolbox' filled with knowledge of technology that I can use throughout my teaching career. I will not be afraid that my students are more savvy with technology than I am, even though they might be anyway, I can have enough knowledge to speak to them intelligently and gain their trust that I am someone that can lead them into their future! This is a great feeling to have! Something that I learned about myself is that I should not doubt my abilities as much as I do. I learned to be confident and that it is okay to say, "I am not sure. Let's learn what the answer is together!"

There were many things that I learned about being a teacher that I did not expect while completing my 'Unit of Instruction.' If you are planning to be a teacher, a great teacher, you must be CREATIVE and always remain TEACHABLE! I did not realize how much time, effort, and creativity goes into being a teacher. There is so much to teaching. When the educator is creating their units of instruction they must place themselves in the shoes of the student, parent, superintendent, principle, and etc. for the learning environment to be fruitful. As far as, always remaining teachable; this is of the utmost importance. If an educator does not remain teachable then s/he is teaching their students 'into the past.' If educators remain constantly teachable and flexible then they will be able to keep their students flexible and up-to-date with the latest technology, products, and information.

The one thing that I am most proud of from creating my Wiki page products is the details and the time I put into it. I am really proud of how the entire Wiki turned out. It shows my personality and spirit. I am always wanting my friends and family to review the progress I have made on it. It is the very first technological product that I have ever made. This strikes more personal feelings because my father is very savvy when it comes to technology and computers. I have always wanted to share in some of his many amazing traits and now I can carry with me a slight insight to the abilities that he has. The knowledge that I have gained in completing each product has made me quite proud!

Finally, I would have paid more attention to the example Wiki pages. I wish that my WIki page had more of a professional feel to it. When I began the project I wanted it to be an exact replica of how the classroom would feel and look. I wanted the space to be in relation to a fourth-grader and how they see things. Aside from that there is not much that I would do differently if I could do it all over again.

I am extremely grateful to have taken this class. I have gotten so much out of it.

Thank you for all of your help, patience, and kindness,

Elizabeth Briggs