As a non-degree seeking student, returning back to school after receiving my Bachelor’s 3 years ago I thought it was time to touch up on my technology skills. Just in the short 3 years a lot has changed, from the way which Carmen is set-up to the way which students are communicating with each other. I learned there are a lot of effective ways of communicating with each other such as through google documents, and also discussion boards. In the discussion boards I like how the professor has the choice to limit the material the individual posting can see until they have made an initial post. This allows users to create their own ideas, and truly reflect on their own thoughts.
Along the way during this course I noticed how precisely the assignments were chosen to really hit upon the many different online tools and resources. I was aware of many of the resources, but really did not know them as in depth as I was required to explore. This really took my online resource interpretation to a whole new level, I believe before this course my mind was still stuck in the old fashion going to the library to get the resources needed. Now I am more comfortable and confident to explore the internet.
I do believe I have a long ways to go to really grasp technology, but I also feel as if it is changing so quickly that I would have a hard time keeping up with the changes. This is why I thought the assignment on searching google deeper was very beneficial to me, because I was already pretty confident on doing a standard search, now I am able to use it as a more in depth resource through the advanced search tool. I also really enjoyed reading the discussion boards of my classmates on the resources they have found useful. This opened up my mindset to changing how I search the web and making it easier to find exactly what I am looking for quicker.
In my future with an Early Childhood Degree I am always searching for the most up to date information on child rearing, child and family safety, and also on the legislative side of the field. There was an assignment which we were guided through finding credible information, and I found this as one of the most valuable assignments overall. There are many times when I have to be the professional in my field, and share the most up to date information with families. Presenting valuable information is very crucial, and I now feel more confident in searching the web, and also finding the credible information that I am really looking for.
This course will be useful in my near future in that aspect, as well as my growth in the education field. I am not sure at this moment where I would like to take my degree, but if I was to continue into graduate school all this information would be exceptionally valuable in being successful. With being a full time working student, the more short cuts to presenting quality work the more beneficial it will be to my time management.