Reflection on Course 6710

As I started to work on my Master's Degree, I envisioned learning so much about technology and using different programs and applications.  The first few classes I took were very informative, but not what I had envisioned as what I wanted to learn on my journey.  This class finally met my expectations and I truly enjoyed learning and experiencing some of the available technology resources and skills that can influence education.
Prior to this class, I had heard of blogs and even followed a few of my friends personal blogs.  I had never considered using a blog for my classroom.  I am completely in love with blogging and see so much potential for it in my classroom.  I loved playing with and designing a blog.  I am constantly thinking and experimenting with different ways to use the blog to enrich my classroom in ways I never thought possible.  Blogging allows the students to be involved along with their families in an interactive, learner- centered role.  Through the different technology skills I have learned, I can teach my students the necessary 21st century skills to be successful.  I better understand what the 21st century skills are and how these skills are more than just knowing how to use technology and having computers in the classroom.  The skills require higher level, critical thinking skills along with the use of technology.  I am excited to integrate my new understanding and skills into my classroom.  I hope to continually use new technology resources to improve my classroom.  Through educational blogs and professional teaching organizations, I can learn about technology resources that are available and how to implement them effectively.
Being a learner-centered classroom has always been one of my goals.  It is so important for students to have the opportunity to learn, experience, and grow on their own.  It can be frustrating to give up control and allow for mistakes to be made, but mistakes go along with learning.  Students learn so much more from actually experiencing and doing versus just listening. 
One goal I would like to set for myself is to continue to use and update my blog regularly.  I want to use the blog to help and improve homework and make it more meaningful and fun for the students.  I feel that a blog will help connect families with the classroom.  Another goal is to incorporate more technology activities into my group learning evaluations.  My class is able to attend the technology lab once a week and I am often looking for better ways to use the time we have in the lab.  I want to develop activities that can be done in small groups and improved with the technology resources.  Instead of the typically used evaluations, I would like to incorporate some technology based assignments such as wikis, podcasts, or power points.
I have learned a lot and see many changes in my perspective and understanding of technology as a result of this course.  I now have a variety of tools and digital resources I can use in my classroom to make learning more meaningful and effective.  I am not so afraid and hesitant when it comes to learning, experimenting, and enjoying new resources.  I have felt very successful which gives me a lot of confidence and excitement towards technology.  I feel like I am moving in the direction that I wanted to go when it comes to technology in my classroom.