I will admit, I was more than a little overwhelmed after our first EC&I 831 class this term. My knowledge of technology and social media is minimal - to say the least - and I have even less experience using it. That certainly does not mean I am uninterested in learning about it and how I can use it to engage my students in their learning. It is actually one of the primary reasons I was motivated to take this course; to further my understanding of technology and how it can be used in the classroom. Although it may push my boundaries and push me out of my comfort zone, it will be worth it in the end to learn about something completely new and exciting that can be used for my own professional growth and development, as well as my lesson development for my students.
One of the things I am most worried about is the consistent and effective use of Twitter for my professional development. I have never used Twitter before, and it is intimidating to start practicing something with others who have been using it for years. However, I have already spoken to a few colleagues in the class who are extremely knowledgeable with Twitter and willing to share their wisdom with me to help me with this process. This somewhat reduces my anxiety when it comes to Twitter usage.
Although I am nervous, intimidated and overwhelmed with a variety of concepts and ideas that were presented on Tuesday, I am also looking very much forward to the assignments that we will be doing; particularly the learning project. I have always wanted to learn Italian; in fact, it was a goal that I had set out to achieve almost two years ago now when my husband and I went on our honeymoon to Italy. However, I never made it a priority with all the other things that seem to pop up in everyday life that take precedence over personal goals. This project will allow me to put in the time and energy that I should have put in two years ago towards learning Italian as my third language. At the moment, I know but the bare minimum; a few key phrases that I picked up while vacationing in Italy, and nothing more. I am excited to see what exists in regards to Social Media that I can use to help me learn this language, and how much I will be able to achieve over the next three and a half months.
In the end, there are endless possibilities when it comes to technology, and if I am not pushed out of my comfort zone to learn about all them, I don't feel as though I would do it on my own time. Therefore, although I am overwhelmed, nervous, and slightly scared, I am also curious and looking forward to the possibilities that this course will open up for my career and for my own personal and professional development.
One of the things I am most worried about is the consistent and effective use of Twitter for my professional development. I have never used Twitter before, and it is intimidating to start practicing something with others who have been using it for years. However, I have already spoken to a few colleagues in the class who are extremely knowledgeable with Twitter and willing to share their wisdom with me to help me with this process. This somewhat reduces my anxiety when it comes to Twitter usage.
Although I am nervous, intimidated and overwhelmed with a variety of concepts and ideas that were presented on Tuesday, I am also looking very much forward to the assignments that we will be doing; particularly the learning project. I have always wanted to learn Italian; in fact, it was a goal that I had set out to achieve almost two years ago now when my husband and I went on our honeymoon to Italy. However, I never made it a priority with all the other things that seem to pop up in everyday life that take precedence over personal goals. This project will allow me to put in the time and energy that I should have put in two years ago towards learning Italian as my third language. At the moment, I know but the bare minimum; a few key phrases that I picked up while vacationing in Italy, and nothing more. I am excited to see what exists in regards to Social Media that I can use to help me learn this language, and how much I will be able to achieve over the next three and a half months.
In the end, there are endless possibilities when it comes to technology, and if I am not pushed out of my comfort zone to learn about all them, I don't feel as though I would do it on my own time. Therefore, although I am overwhelmed, nervous, and slightly scared, I am also curious and looking forward to the possibilities that this course will open up for my career and for my own personal and professional development.