Lessons+Learned

Learning comes in many different formats, which causes people to learn in many different ways. Some people learn from reading data out of books are off the internet. Others find that personal experience is the best way to learn. As for myself I found that no amount of reading could have prepared me for the experiences I received this quarter. On the first day of class I was petrified at the idea of having to administer all of my work electronically. I had never been the type of person to put thier faith in technology. In the past I had the worst luck with technology. An example of this would be when I had a projector break down on me when it was my turn to give my final presentation for a class assignment. Another would be when my class did an in class assignment in a computer lab, I just happened to sit at the computer that decided to die that day and we were unable to retrieve my data. Needless to say I found to idea of using Wikispaces nerve racking is a grouse understatement. However, after working with it I found it fascinating. I was able to create things that can be read by anyone. I was also able to see what my classmates were learning in their classrooms as well. I found myself actually having fun with Wikispaces, even though in the past I never would have dreamed that I would love an assignment that was so dependent on technology. In addition to our assignments, this class required an extreme amount of time in the classroom. My classroom experience was unique to say the least. It didn't start off to well. My master teacher from last year had received a promotion, leaving me with no placement. I wasn't even placed in a classroom until the week of Halloween. I found that even though we had read about several different lesson types, learning styles, and learning models in class, nothing was as benititial as actually teaching the classes. I found that by doing I was learning. I was even able to improve the lesson each time I taught it. By reflecting on what worked and what didn't in the previous class, I was able to make adjustments to make the second time through even better. This quarter has definitely been a learning experience for me. I learned that technology isn't always out to get me. I learned that by teaching the lessons was more beneficial than just reading about them. I know that I will take all I've leaned this quarter and apply it to my student teaching experience next quarter as well as in my career.