Last Blob for 572

I loved the coordination of 572/544. I really liked how deeply I was able to go in my project. As I created the plan for my instruction activities, I immediately got excited to create the necessary materials for instruction because I knew I had to make the time. If our 572 course had not been connected, I don't know that I would have spent the time to expand on the design document because life is typically busy and I can find 8 million other things to do. Also, my power points have significantly improved and I am very proud of what I am creating.

Because of the coordination, I really feel good about what I produced. I know I would not have spent this much time designing the instruction for video production if I weren't in these courses. Now, I know that next year I will be a much more dynamic teacher as a result. I can also carry over much of what I learned to other similar projects as the tools I found and created can be used for other videos. I am excited that some of my colleagues feel the same way and have asked to use my stuff for their projects. This is a huge compliment and I really feel that my instruction overall is improving due to this program. So many teachers get through a MA program just to earn more money. While this is a motivator for me, too, it is not the sole reason that I'm working on my MA. I also want to be the best teacher I can be. You only live once and as teachers we affect so many.

TJ and Terri, you were both a pleasure to work with and you really met the needs of individuals in the course--at least this one. Your flexibility, open-mindedness, and willing to call us to collaborate added a wonderful touch. Terri--you had some fantastic tips that really got me to think about my approach and inspired me to create more to cover the bases. For instance, you directed me to Escondido's Project Live site and the apple storyboard site which were both really helpful for my project.

Really, the only complaint I could launch is not at the instructors or the course content, just the scheduling. Due to my school site's schedule, Mondays are a really bad day for me. I could barely make it home on time to get online and the 10 minute break between classes was not ample enough for me to regroup after a long day. I liked classes on Wed. with a 30 min. break between so I can eat something, regroup, and know most of my week was through. Next fall our school goes late start and every day will be hectic, so a 30 min. break would be helpful.

All in all, great semester and much less stressful than learning Dreamweaver. Great job!