I have been experimenting with wikis (only once) blogs, and discussion boards this past week for the first time. I have to say I've come along way since the first week in gaining confidence using the computer, though I still have a long, long, way to go. I can definitely see the possibilities of using these technological tools in the classroom and how they can benefit and add to classroom assignments. But I do think some would help more than others, for example, emails and discussion boards would help in posting assignments and generating class discussions outside of the classroom. Blogs, if created individually, would be an exciting addition to any writing or critical thinking process, and I agree with so many of the readers this week who say having a larger audience besides just the teacher reading and responding, would change and create "authenticity, uniqueness, thoughtfulness,..." in the student writers.
I also agree with Kajder that "supreme patience" is required for utilizing these tools. I have been frustrated and confused many times in the last few weeks. Having voiced my complaint, I also have to say that Kajder is right in saying it "pushes" people to be thinkers, users, techies,etc...because I've had to use trial and error to find out how things work myself when I've had no one else to ask, forcing me out of my "comfort"level with computers.
As for taking an online course, I am still undecided about whether or not I would do it. I don't think I would be completely comfortable taking one at this point;however, maybe after this class I'll think differently because I am learning so much and its making me feel less anxious about computers and technology. And yes, I know I've got soooooo much more to learn. I see the benefits and usefulness in both face to face and online classrooms, but I think both have to be linked together to work most efficiently. I do think one of the most important possibilities these online tools offer is to open up the discussion to quiet, shy, and less involved students in the classroom. As someone who feels like I have nothing to contribute in classroom discussion because of my lack of expertise in what is being discussed, I certainly find something to say online when I read what others say and I can respond back without any self-consciousness to stop me. Opening up discussions to all and creating a postive, less intimidating format is, to me, the strongest point for using the computer with classrooms.
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I love hearing this. It's especially the "non-traditional" student like yourself--someone who comes to the class with different experience (in this case, not being a teacher), who often gets left out of classroom discussions but who, as you are demonstrating, has an enormous amount to contribute when there's space for those contributions to be made.
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