Just a little Weebly here...

Class on Friday was interesting…first of all, thank you to Jeff and Kristin, if it is not said enough, our first, and only, class of the day starting at 10am, brilliant!!  Only thing that could have made it better would have been snacks…just saying…

Now on to the meat, and perhaps some potatoes…I am really enjoying learning new technologies, however, I wish I knew the old ones better so I was not constantly playing catch-up.  A very special thanks to the ladies that were, well let’s just say fortunate enough, or perhaps I was fortunate enough, to sit by me, Musetta, Alyssa, Chelsea and Colleen…not sure I would have made it out of class if it had not been for all of your understanding!

So, now I am creating my online persona and making my presence know…uh-oh world, lookout, here I come, lol…but first, I need to learn how to use my new computer…the lovely women sitting by you will not always be there to help you out…a very special thanks to Musetta for putting up with me and ALL my questions…I am not sure, but I think there was some eye rolling, and yes, I deserved it.

Note to self, first thing, make sure all programs needed are uploaded and installed so you can actually start working on time.  Don’t be afraid of the computer, it will not bite you…maybe give you the occasional electric shock, but at least no biting.  Once you have that done, learn how to type…hmm…so those high school typing classes were actually important, ah, high school, oops wait, I digress…or was that daydreaming…hmmm. Oh well, just get back to work.

I have always found it interesting how people use websites.  I even paid a whole lot of money to have one developed for a project I am still working on, when in reality, I could have done it myself with the tools that are available.  It is a bit daunting, love that word, for some reason, it makes me think of the Three Musketeers, but Kristin did a very good job of demystifying the process…in the end, it really is just that easy!

Then I started thinking about two things, first, what it means for me and second, how I may be able to use it in a class I am teaching.  For me, and isn’t it all just about me…(Rob, be quiet)…but seriously, organizing your self online is important, especially moving forward and eventually becoming a teacher.  I as a parent am always interested in who the teachers are that are teaching my kids.   What a great resource for me to have a portfolio that I can access with information about the person(s) who are working with my children.  Samples of their work and ideas about what is important to them…if nothing else, it may help put me at ease, which in turn will help put my child at ease.  But how it can help me is very interesting.   Having a portfolio of my work, my plans and ideas and a source of information about who I am as a teacher will be of great value.  My potential employers will have easy access to my work, computer savvy, and even have a more defined idea if I am someone they would like to work for them.  I am very excited about the possibilities for me as both a parent and perspective teacher.

Of even greater interest to me are the possibilities of these applications when working with my students.  Creating an online portfolio for their work can be beneficial in a few ways.  First, and foremost, is the ability to turn assignments in via the Internet, exactly the way we do it right now here in our program.  I am sure grading work; black and white, which is poorly copied, is tedious at best.  However, full color, perhaps movie like presentations, movies on their own, would make life much easier…not to mention prettier.  Secondly, having an online resource for the students to point to share their work with whomever they wish.  Writing, art or other projects easily accessible whenever an interested party wishes to access them.  Thirdly, Students’ learning a new medium is always a great thing.  In the world today, computers are becoming the way of life.  The Internet the main source of communication across the spectrum, whether it be voice, scribing or just sharing in general.  Students working in the medium to learn, and becoming more comfortable, with help give them a leg up moving forward in their personal and professional lives.

But back to me…you know since it really is all about me, oh yeah, I said it…spending time learning my way around the internet, and all of it’s applications and possibilities, is an exciting thought…who knows at some point, I may even catch up to my kids…well, at least my students…hmm…what does that command key do….oops