When I began the course New and Emergent Technology at Walden University, I had a completely incorrect notion of what the course would be. I thought that for eight weeks I would spend most of my time searching the internet for new resources that could be used in the classroom. This did happen a little but my expectation of the course was way off. After completing the course I now understand that this class held much much more and now I consider it one of the most important classes that I have taken.
In the course I developed a lesson where students would collaborate with other students through a MUVE (Multi User Virtual Environment). I am actually quite proud of the lesson because of the way it allows me to see how much I have progressed during my time at Walden. I am now capable of looking at new technology and seeing how it could impact the classroom. I am able to find ways to use these resources which will increase student engagement and scholastic achievement.
The biggest skill that I learned from this course, which is also the reason why I hold the course with such high regard, is how to look at the tech industry and hypothesize its direction. With this ability teachers are able to guide administration and peers toward technology that is worth investing in versus technology that will be obsoleted by some other creation. Even though the skill is not full proof I believe that with this economy it is very needed.
I have nothing but good to say about my time in this course or my experience with Walden University for that matter. There excellent programs and educational aids have made me a far better teacher than I could have been otherwise.
