This is the end. The final blog post for EME 2040, Tech for Leading and Learning. What did I learn over the course of this semester? How did I grow? What surprised me, caused trouble or came easily? What can I say about the experience I had this semester?
The first thing that comes to mind is that I have not been disappointed. When this class started I had no idea what to expect. I was terrified that we would be forced to learning coding and other computer things that make my head spin. Luckily for me, this class was not designed for that information. This semester we learned how to use new technology, not only the ones that will be useful for educators. Many of the systems we learned about can be used in any type of work. We also learned different theories relating to education.
Personally, I learned that I’m not too old to learn new things and I can still excel in school for my own personal growth. I didn’t take this class as part of a curriculum for a degree. I thought my formal education was over many years ago. After High School, I joined the Army Reserves, then went to college. I have a great job and a wonderful family at home. I took this class to learn something new. And I did.
What surprised me most is that education hasn’t changed much at all since I was in school, and I graduated almost 20 years ago. Learning the new technologies came fairly easily to me. If you read the directions (or watch tutorials!) most things are simple to understand. What caused me the most problems? Writing a mid-term. It seemed like we had just started the class and we were instantly thinking about the mid-term. It was overwhelming for a while. Luckily, I do have a supportive family and a great boss who let me do most of my homework at work.
This experience made me realize that I can do more than I thought. I can take classes and work full-time and still have time for my husband and daughter. I was extremely worried that I would either do poorly on assignments because I wanted to have family time or that I would upset the people I love by spending all my time on course work. I have learned a lot about technology that can be used in the classroom over the past couple months. But really I learned that my family wants me to succeed and follow my dreams. I am truly blessed to have them by my side.
At the beginning of the semester my work was sometimes rushed. I was doing quizzes on my breaks at work and all my research was done at my desk in the lobby. I feel like my work did improve when I stopped trying to rush through everything and take the time to complete the assignments and turn something in that I could be proud of. I will remember the encouragement that was given by all the other students in the class. The weekly discussion posts were always positive and there were never derogatory comments on anyone’s work. I will ALWAYS remember the feeling of accomplishment when I realized that I made it to the end of the semester. This is a course that I will not forget.
Jessica Strayer 