Taking The First Steps

My initial feelings toward technology were negative. My students are so far ahead of myself in their knowledge of computers that I often feel intimidated at the thought of even trying to understand how to navigate a screen. But on the first day of my 486 class at UTK Dr. Obannon helped me to feel welcome and tried to calm mine and others fears by showing us we weren't alone. We watched some very funny videos about others who've felt confused and lost in understanding the new language of technology. With each new tool that we are introduced to we are shown some variation of a video, either for instruction or just comedic relief. We are then taken step by step through different processes in navigation. I've been quite surprised and pleased at how the different levels of understanding within the class dynamic have helped tramendously. Students that already understand a current procedure we happen to be working on such as changing a pictures size and resolution volunteer and help others around them get where they need to be quicker. The chapters we've read so far have helped me to understand a lot more of the computer language than i did previously. They've discussed the differences in real time communication which is instant messaging vs. non real time communication such as e-mail, blogs, etc. They've also talked about the different types of internet providers there are and the advantages and disadvantages of both. One very important topic the chapters also brought up is the subject of digital portfolios. I already relate to this topic because in the teacher program at UTK each step a student/teacher makes is recorded within their digital portfolio so that when we finish our teaching program we will have an online record of all the valuable work we've done. I am very confident that this class will teach me skills that I will use in my classroom and will need for future growth. I suggest this class for anyone that might be doubting their ability to advance in computer skills or that just needs a refresher course.