EDLD+5364+-+Course+Embedded+Reflection

SELF ASSESSMENT
I generally consider myself a high level technology user. I was caught slightly off-guard by the following quote from Rose & Meyer text. "For example, if you are assessing the ability to create a coherent narrative, you can offer a wide assortment of media for that composition including recorded speech, images, video, animation, or dance."(Rose, & Meyer, 2002) It occurred to me that perhaps my technical skill level at times causes me to disregard equal tools and opportunities that do not use technology. I still believe that technology can assist in many of these forms of expression I realize that I should be open to thinking even further outside the box. Before reading the quote I had never considered the concept of allowing a student to express their understanding through dance. It actually makes me smile a little bit now to think of it. Creativity is such a wonderful thing and anything I could do as an educator to promote I see as being very positive.

LEARN AS A LEARNER
This class taught me, more than anything else, just how difficult online collaboration can be. In the course we formed groups with individuals with whom we had no prior relationships. The nature of Academic Partnerships courses is that students function on very different schedules. It can be nearly impossible to schedule communication. Many of us learn during late nights and lunch breaks. I was forced to rely on the members of my group with more direct k-12 teaching experience. Portions of the assignments would have been incredibly difficult for me had I not had their assistance. By working as a group develop our lesson plan we were able to overcome our shortcomings and produce and exceptional project.

LIFELONG LEARNING SKILLS
I have years of experience working with educational technology and over decade working with web-based technologies. The main skill I gained through this coursework was delegation. I'm generally overprotective over projects I'm involved in. This course forced me to soften my grip on the reigns and allow everyone to contribute equally. A balance between this full open approach and my regular ultra-regulated approach would probably be the most productive plan.