Class so far...

It's Sunday night, and I am procrastinating a little bit on the readings that are due tomorrow, so I've decided to take some time to blog about my first week in the MAC Program.

So far it has been really neat. I have to admit that I was pretty shy about meeting so many new people at once. I'm used to meeting new people, but this is different, because these are people I am going to be in close contact with for the next year. But after the first five minutes, everything was a lot less nerve-racking. And as the week went on, I have met the coolest people! I can't wait to get a chance to talk to everyone more.

Hmm, so the classes themselves seem a little scary so far. Wow, this program IS a lot of work! You know, I always knew I would go to U of M for undergrad, but the thought never crossed my mind that I would be here for a Masters. I feel really honored to be a Rackham Grad...but this is still A LOT of work! It's cool though, because I feel like everything so far is preparation for the classroom, and there is an interest area for everyone, especially when we get into Research.

Something else I never thought would happen is that I am totally stoked for the Technology class. I was dreading it, because the last time I took Technology was in high school, and it was basic computer skills. Not very fun; just required. But when I started drawing my classroom and thinking of ways that history could come to life through videos, sound, pictures, Google, and all of the other amazing resources out there, I was totally enthralled. I'm going to scan the picture of my classroom and post it to share with everyone. I was pretty happy with it. :-)

One thing I do want to say though, especially to people who are nervous about all of the technology in their classrooms, is that we are all in this together, and this is what we're here to do. Very few people in the classroom are coming in knowing how to do all of this stuff. Gosh, I had no idea that I could set up a blog for free; I've been thinking these people are all nutty for paying for an electronic journal. And I've been the substitute teacher in class who can't work the projector...or DVD player...or the TV/DVD player they wheeled in for subs who can't work the projector and DVD player. But I'm very excited to learn about everything, and I'd like to help spread that excitement to others.

Also, I was thinking about one of the discussions we were having in class, about the fear that kids are going to know more about technology than the teachers. I've been brainstorming a lot, and I was thinking that if that's the case and I just can't keep up with the new technology, I'll always give extra credit points to a "technology leader" who can guide the class in whatever activities and help me out with whatever technology I'm not familiar with. Then I will have created a leadership role for a kid, and let's face it, kids want to be leaders and stand out and feel important. And my class won't feel like it's lagging behind the other classes at all. That's just one thought I was throwing around.

Well, anyway, I guess I better get to those assigned readings at some point tonight, so it's time to sign off. I fee like I should have a sign-off slogan. I really loved the late Johnny Carson, so I'll use his for now.

I bid you a very heartfelt good night.

-Crash