Reflections

I decided that my last blog would be a reflection of all the things I learned, the aha! aha! moments and the challenges.  Last Thursday, April 30th, I was invited to the Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator's Award Ceremony by Professor Ward, Children's Literature Professor.  I met and mingled with the recipients and other invited guests.  Professor Ward spotted me and introduced me to a host of other children's authors and illustrators, including Christopher Myers, children's author and son of author Walter Dean Myers.   I was delighted.  He asked about my school which is a few miles from his home.  He promised that he would drop by and visit our children.  Here comes the bomb.  Are you on Facebook, Twitter?  I was so embarrassed, that I envisioned my face to resemble that of a pomegranate.  I am not on Facebook or Twitter and I had no business cards.    I was forced to use Professor Ward's business card on which I transcribed my own.  O.K. Good News.   We exchanged information and he posed for a picture with a familiar stance of a character in one of his famous books.  This took the shame out of my eyes.  Either I am now prompted to engage in Social Networking on a consistent basis and/or purchase a box of business cards so that I don't miss any opportunities to make a good lasting impression.

I related that story because as this class comes to an end, I realize that I will never look at Instructional Technology the same way.  While I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, I believe that with time and practice I can meld my experiences to contribute to an effective instructional program.  Oh! Did I mention that I joined the Technology Club and have shared most of my reading assignments, ideas and project initiatives to add value to the program designed for elementary school students.  

There were several highlights to this class which was supported by group efforts.  I enjoyed the hands-on workshops i.e. Podcasting, Social Networking, Blogging.   I had mixed emotions when I first registered for this class, but now I am wondering why I did not enroll sooner.  I discovered that even though "Blogging" was an integral part of the class, it was an act that took a lot of time to compose my thoughts-something that I believe should have been more spontaneous.  I grew however, to like it and may wish to continue "Blogging" in another capacity.  Who knows, my principal may one day have an epiphany and call upon me to reorganize the library space for which I am more than prepared to do.

As I say farewell to Pratt for now, I know that I am walking away with enough skills to advocate for children who otherwise are not receiving the benefits of an effective library program or technology program.  As a member of the Technology Club, I am hoping to collaborate with the technology teacher, administrators and classroom teachers to design an effective program for children.  

At this point, I am feeling the effects of my allergies that is making me drowsy, resulting in a nose like Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.  As a life long learner, I have honed the necessary skills to explore, read, wonder, search, blog, share, learn, teach and communicate with like minded people.   

Great class