Labrador Mid-Term Self Reflection

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for ED638 “Teaching with the Internet”

Francis Noel P. Labrador

Dr. Matilda Rivera

January 8, 2014

Introduction

                This reflection pertains to my current performance status in the course, which encompasses the notion of having a professional demeanor as an individual and the ability to apply the contents learned into my teaching methods. It also describes my work ethics and how the course impacts my learning as an educator.  Lastly, the reflection highlights my observation on how I collaborate and interact with my peers.

The Reflection

                Dr. Matilda Rivera has set up high standards and expectations for her students. At the start of the course, she introduced herself through email. In her introduction, she explains the requirements and student expectations necessary to complete the class. I became nervous the moment I read through the section that emphasizes grammatical corrections and sentence structure. For several years, I conformed to the standard sentence structures of the social media (i.e., using emotion symbols, incomplete sentences, cap typing, abbreviations, and informal comments). I was really worried about this and assumed that I might have a difficult time adjusting to well-written content.  In addition, I am known to be a very genuine person. I have this tendency to say my opinions pertaining to incompetence or things I do not agree with, usually leaving behind frustrated or angry looks on people. However, during the course, I proved myself otherwise.

                Through some grace, I managed to maintain intellectual testimonials in my blogs and reports/articles.  In addition, I have not brought up issues that may cause negatively prolonged or profound arguments in the blogs. Rather, I provided positive and comforting responses to my peers—probably, because I have not identified any bothersome issues, thus far.  By the end of the first week, I fully adapted to formal blogging and researching content.

                Being exposed to a surplus of online resources, I felt overwhelmed.  Not only did I have to adjust to “Moodle,” the online campus communication tool, but also to “Live Text" and the CMS tools introduced at the beginning of the course. Despite being tech savvy, these resources were very new to me.  It took me a while to get used to. But, similar to adjusting with formal blogging,  I was easily able to adapt to these resources within a week.

The motivational drive to complete my masters program at the university has been steadfast, allowing me to fully commit to the completion of this course.  In my recent blog reflections, I stressed the difficulties I am currently facing that keep me from doing well in my assignments and blogs.  However, the kind words from my peers have enabled me to overcome these difficulties and finish my work with prowess.  With that said, I made it a priority to reserve four hours each day in completing all blogs and assignments.   It is a great experience and quite enlightening to blog and read through my peer’s articles.

                I have learned so many internet tools in such a short time frame.  Besides working with “PowerSchool,” I went back to thoroughly navigate “Engrade.” Initially, when I worked on this tool back in 2007, I used “Engrade” more as a grade book for my classes.  I grew tired of the physical record book for two reasons; first, I had to manually calculate my students’ scores and secondly, if you make a mistake inputting grades on the book, you would need to use “white-out,” or erase it while leaving marks over the columns. However, that was the only reason why I opened an “Engrade” account and never fully explored its potential until now.  The concept of a built-in test and flash card apps makes learning more interesting.  It also allows students to become more technologically literate—an expectation highly emphasized at my workplace, or at John F. Kennedy High School. 

I also navigated other tools as well; especially “Powtoons” introduced by my fellow classmate Katrina Baza.  The moment I got back, I wanted my students to use this presentation tool for their artist research. Unfortunately, I later discovered that I would need to pay for my students’ monthly registration to fully access this tool.  Maybe in the long run, I will find some financial resources, or grant funding to help improve student learning in technology.  As the course proceeds to its second week, I eagerly anticipate for new internet tools introduced by my peers.

Blogging and Peer Interaction

                Perhaps the only difficulty I am currently facing with the course is trying to keep up with the blogs. I am also not sure if I am required to input a blog response for all the topics introduced each day. Nonetheless, I did my best blogging on most of the topics introduced in “Moodle.”  Often times I would lose track of blogging when my peers would all reply to the different topics in one day, leaving me with a long list of email notifications and being dumbfounded on who to reply back.  Despite that, I was able to reply to most of my peers’ comments, while posting new blogs or articles about the internet tools and resources.  Another difficulty that I might come across later is trying to understand the requirements to complete my geo-narrative and “Live Text” assignments. But, this can be easily resolved by emailing the professor.

Conclusion

                I hope that this mid-term reflection meets your requirements and expectations. I had to review its description three times in the syllabus to see how I would approach it.  I believe that my progress in course is remarkable; based on my active participation in blogs and commentaries, the tenacity to turn in assignments on the expected due date, and the outstanding scores from my last three literacy reports.  I also believe that I have motivated my peers and challenged them to do their best in completing their CMS tool project—somewhat fulfilling the social interaction or peer challenge aspect of the course.  It is because of your high standards and student expectations that I have been able to excel as individual.  I was also able to learn a lot about myself and my work ethics. ED638 is truly a course necessary for all educators to help them improve their teaching methods in the classroom.