What skills or new knowledge have you gained in this class so far?
ETEC 442 has presented itself as a new and awesome experience using technology in education. One of my favorite skills I have learned has been on Excel worksheets. I have previously taken an ICS course on Microsoft software; however, I was never taught how to use the VLOOKUP function. I think that if I had, I would have saved countless hours grading my students when I was a Part-time Temporary Teacher (PTT). I think the new skills I have learned through the Excel project will enable me to become a more effective teacher being that I can save time grading my students by imputing, calculating, and automatic letter grading of all my students' work fast and efficiently.
Another wonderful tool that I have gained access and knowledge to are the use of WebQuests. Previous to my experience with them in this class, I had not even heard of such a thing. I think that WebQuests will be a helpful tool in teaching because it allows my students to have access to their project 24/7. They will be able to use their WebQuest for instructions on the task, process, or evaluation criteria anytime they need. Using WebQuests is also a great way to keep my students focused on their goal; rather than aimlessly roaming the Internet. Furthermore, it helps on reducing waste because all documents are electronic.
Have you implemented any of this new knowledge or new skills into your own life, either as a student in another class or on the job?
Unfortunately I have not used these new skills as a student yet and am no longer doing PTT work. I have, however, saved links to pages I find useful and plan to use everything that we have been taught once I am a teacher. I think that as a student, it could be useful to use my new skill with Excel to keep track of my grades in school, but then on the other hand, it might just end up being more work than it's worth.
