Final Reflection

A Final Reflection 

• Technology Post (LibriVox):

As a teacher aide I have used various technologies in the classroom, mostly were programs on disc. Through this course I was encouraged to find and explore other forms of technology that can be used in the classroom.  At first I was hesitant to engage in any of the various forms of technology that the other students were sharing and using in the classroom.  Because technology is constantly evolving by my being out of "the loop" for the past four and half years I was far behind the other students in regards to the latest academically directed technologies. The first  technology I explored was LibriVox,  an audio-book application for PC's, Chromebooks, tablets, and cellphones.  I found the technology to be useful. Especially, when I would have a hard time focusing on what was reading yet really wanting to get through the content (book).   As I stated in my blog post titled, "LibriVox- Audiobook",  I found this application to be useful when being introduced to new content, characters, and/or language. It created a "flow" to the story.

• "Dear Bobbie" Digital Narrative: 

I can't express to you enough how much I enjoyed doing this project.  Not only did I get a chance to work with my husband who I haven't really spent much time with this semester, but I was able to find the gratification that only comes from working through something you didn't think you could do.  This project was:

• lengthy
• tedious
• stressful
• fun 
• frustrating 
• and rewarding all the same time.

I feel as though this assignment illustrates what I have learned this semester. I can use this video as an example of incorporating new literacy within the classroom.  While creating this video I was forced to "think outside of the box" in regards to storytelling.  I used music, timing, illustration, and various forms of literary elements to tell "my story". 

• Booktrack Mini-Lesson:

This post was a total mess from start to finish. Reflecting back on it I'm a little embarrassed at it's lack of direction. If I were to re-due this assignment I would concentrate more on how to apply Booktrack  into my lesson as opposed to basing my whole lesson on Booktrack. I'd explore the various ways I could use Booktrack in order to encourage the students to explore their imagination in order to tell a story. I still think that Booktrack and it's ability to help students create a "mind-movie" with the assistance of audio ambiance is useful in the classroom setting. 

Final Reflection:

There was never a moment where I felt as though I was being judged for being an older, non-traditional student but there were several moments where I felt supported and encouraged, by the professor and by the other students. I was able to make connections with other students both inside and outside of the class that I found to be useful while trying to work through assignments.  For example, it was Rich's whiteboard stop-motion animation video that he shared with the class that became the catalyst for my own project. He was kind enough to suggest a few "tricks" and tips that were useful when creating my "Dear Bobbie" digital narrative. As much as I've struggled to keep up with the reading and assignments in this class, I'm happy I took it. I've stumbled and fallen more times than I care to remember but I've also pulled myself back up and carried on. The projects in this class allowed me to visually see my growth from start to finish.