Final Reflections ETEC 527

Wow, it has been a busy seven weeks learning about so many Web 2.0 tools! I have explored so many sites that I never even knew existed and it has been an interesting journey.

I think this class came at an excellent time during covid-19 when we are all in the middle of online teaching our own students and learning to use many new aspects of technology very quickly. As a pre-k/K teacher, I was not used to incorporating a lot of technology in the classroom, however I had to learn fast. I am so glad I did, and have been amazed at how quickly my students, and their parents, have picked up on these things.

The biggest thing I have learned is that it is impossible to know or learn about everything when it comes to technology! I really appreciated Doc B's advice to just pick one or two tools to focus on at a time. Trying to learn it all at the same time will be overwhelming and frustrating.

I have also learned that I need to take my time in exploring new web tools. It is easy to take a look at something and think, "oh I don't like this or isn't for me." When I spend a bit more time exploring and considering how I can really use it to my benefit, I usually realize that it is really a useful tool. I think the most important thing when using technology both with my students and for myself in my teaching, is that it needs to be used in an authentic way, and not just utilized for the sake of using the latest tech tool or gadget.