Lesson 1 Reflection

Hello team! For the first reflection I would have to first say that I am really looking forward to being able to blog together concerning assignments so that I do not feel like I am talking to myself and also so that I have to chance to hear from others how they are doing and have a great way to gauge my progress. I am really glad that I took ETC 677 first because I remember how much more challenging the similar first assignment was to me last semester. If I could just figure out one place to write all of the stinking usernames and passwords then I could really save myself some time!! I am looking forward into planning our group assignments and hope that no one minds my "informal" style of reflecting. I am really looking forward to this semester.

Lesson 1 Reflection

Coming into this course, I was hesitant participating in a group after two extreme different groups last spring.  One was high strung and had a lack of team spirit; handled in a dictatorial approach but achieve high quality work and the other was more relaxed but however frustrating near deadlines to coordinate each team member’s responsibilities to an equal level of quality.  At this point, I find that team 5 seems to have a comfortable middle ground. There seems to be an understanding for each other’s need for equal balance between personal, professional, and school responsibilities. We were able to successfully put together team governance without any glitches or frustrations.  Both of my team member’s I have had in previous classes and only have a high level of respect for which makes me even more excited to work with both of them.

There has been not challenging aspects so far with any teamwork assigned. 

Looking back at the technology and instructional strategies learned from this lesson, I find myself once I set up my iGoogle PLE area, becoming more comfortable with all the Web tools.  On a daily basis, I do not use as many communication tools such as Google Reader, Twitter, Twitter Search, Delicious, etc.  I do use Google Docs, Facebook, email, and other tools but not so many at one time.  It is vital to incorporate and utilize technology with the students I work with. Although I am familiar with the tools, I am just a little rusty at this point since last spring.  Being comfortable with using Web 2.0 tools on a daily basis is conquered by knowledge and user. 

Lesson 1 Reflection

I am usually leery of team work. Some groups tend to have people who do not do anything. I was afraid my group may think this of me since I didn't respond in what I consider a timely manner to our first introduction. However, we now seem to have things worked out and everyone (including me) responds as soon as possible. I am proud of the fact that we can work as a team and get everything accomplished together.

I do like using iGoogle and especially GoogleDocs. I would love to share this with my students so that they can work on assignments at home or at school and make changes as needed. I would also love to have them set up their own PLEs so they can see the power of technology beyond MySpace and Facebook.