From+My+Heart

//**Oh, how does one type from the heart and not sound too cheesy? Is it possible? Probably not.

I have learned so much in this class! It was a constant challenge, but there was still some fun to be had. It is my first class for the education department, and my first test as a soon-to-be teacher. What did I learn? You can't quit! I LITERALLY wanted to tear my hair out, throw the computer at the wall, and many other stressed out things when attempting to do the Google Earth Tour. I got to the point where I didn't care about my grade anymore, I just wasn't going to do it. But, YOU are an extraordinary teacher, and taught me a new lesson. Teachers can't quit! It wasn't about my grade, or my frustration, it was about overcoming obstacles and finishing the job. Well, I promise from here on out, no matter how hard it gets, I will not quit!

With that out of the way, I loved learning all this new technology! I was talking RSS-Feeds with my sister-in-law the other day, and totally knew what I was talking about! I love that Google Reader! My favorite technology was probably Podcasts. I think that's going to be a really fun tool to use with my students, and fits so well with Language Arts! I obviously struggled with Google Earth. I had watched the tutorials, but the newer version was just different enough I was constantly confused! I don't know how I would have done it differently, as it took me forever to think of the way I did do it. I can see its usefulness, just not when it involves a novel about boys stranded on an island. I am proud of my very first Unit of Instruction. I think it crosses over into other subjects, covers many different aspects of the book, and would be fun to teach. I think the different uses of technology would intrigue the students, and together we could learn a lot.

The biggest thing I learned about myself was that I shouldn't doubt my abilities. I am still sooo afraid of teaching, afraid I'll mess up or wont be good enough, but the more I learn and the more I get to do in the field, the more confident I feel. I still have a long way to go, but that shadow of fear is lessening. Thank you for a great semester!

Christy Potter **//