Summary of Week 1

Comments on content:
The topics were about education in a changing world and the related economic, political, and socio-cultural factors. The information was enlightening. We had to stop and consider public education's past and future. The changes in media for presenting material and content. The technology now available to teachers and students and schools generally. The e-text readings were about becoming a teacher, who controls curriculum, the history of Amerian Education, trends and issues regarding school reform, constructivism and technology, the proponents and opponents of using tougher standards for assessing student learning, the struggles public schools have in order to meet the vastly different needs of their students.
To attempt to encapsulate all that I learned from this reading would take many pages. In a nutshell, I will say that my ears now perk up when I hear these and other education-related topics spoken about or mentioned on the news or in print. My eyes catch headlines regarding these educational issues. I feel I can competently discuss these and more topics regarding the modern forms of education. I can relate the information to my own children's education and that provides me with a parent's perspective as well as a teacher's.

Regarding the computer technology use learning curve:
I feel that I am learning to be more proficient in the media that I have been asked to create work within. Luckily, so far mistakes have not been costly in either time or effort. I have taken to running test screens or test saves before launching into my actual work. This is a good habit to be in.
After exploring the Wiki on July 16, 2010, I found it to be most useful. With one of PBWorks online training sessions in the use of the Wiki, I could be most proficient. I can truly see its usefulness to teachers and students as a central place of contact and expression.
I can also see its potential for effective use personally in coordinating events with family and friends. So much more efficient that emailing back and forth.
Wendy