Online Discussion Forums

These online discussion boards really created an opportunity for the class to share our ideas and how we feel about various issues regarding technology and the classroom. I found these forums valuable in the sense that a.) I wasn't aware of all of the applications/issues that are available today and b.) I was able to see through other people's contributions, sides of issues I hadn't really considered or thought of.
I think I missed a couple of the discussions by way of sheer forgetfulness, but I did end up going back and reading them anyways. I have been continuously impressed by the feedback of my classmates and feel I have a much deeper awareness and understanding regarding technology and its role in education.
I really enjoyed helping the moderation of the discussion on Second Life. It forced me to research a topic I was previously unaware of, and in turn I was able to kind of stir the pot and get people talking about the subject. Most people didn't see the value of the application for the classroom (which I agree with for the most part,) but as moderator I was forced to take no side and in this case play the bad guy in promoting the advantages of Second Life. I just thought that was fun.
One of my favourite posts was for Leigh and Graham's "Internet as an Educational Tool" forum. Her it is:
I agree with David in the sense that it is important to stress the basics in the classroom, but computers have become such a huge part of society, that knowing how to use a computer and it's various applications is now becoming a basic skill much like spelling! The problem i guess in teaching young kids how to use computers is that they figure out the short cuts that come along with these programs, like calculators and spell check etc, it may just go back to the teacher placing restraints on their students within their classrooms...I remember being told not to use spell check when I was in elementary. But I suppose it is much like that balance we spoke about in other forums - that whatever a student wants they can get if they need to, at school or at home.
I think in terms of entertaining educational software, there is a lot of great games on the market that can encourage students that you can have fun while learning at the same time....anyone remember math blasters? :)
I really enjoyed the forums as a way to share things as I see them, while getting the opportunity to reflect on the thoughts of others as well.

Webquest

Well. I did ask to be a part of the performing arts group, I just didn't think that would include so much uneccesary drama! I'm not a huge fan of group projects to begin with, but I tried my best to be as optimistic as possible. unfortunately I think some information was misinterpreted and in the end affected our mark. This is sad to see, as I think all of us really did want the best for the project. all in all I still think we got a decent mark. The points we did lose were so unavoidable, and a little bit frustrating, but there is not much I can do about that now!
I learned throughout this process that you can't always get along with everybody, and all you can do is try! In the long run, I think our group pulled together and created a really nice end product. I think this was a really valuable experience, as previous to it I didn't even know what a Webquest was. I believe it could be a very valuable tool to me when I am a teacher, as it is a new and interesting way of presenting assignments to students. I look forward to using this concept again in my schooling, and in the future throughout my career!