The benefits I gained from the IT Gold Summer program can be categorized within three general areas:  awareness, knowledge, and a focused paradigm shift.

Awareness was an important benefit of this course.  My work with students drove my decision to enroll in the course.  I wanted to know more.  I sensed that I needed a solid working knowledge of computer applications and needed to stay abreast of technological advancements so that I could continue to identify with my students.  I understood that it would not increase my salary.  The only benefit to me would be the knowledge gained. The video, shared with us, of the lecture by Thomas Friedman was not only interesting – it sealed the deal.  Viewing it helped me understand the importance of my decision.   I was now in self-imposed uncharted learning territory.

Another benefit was knowledge.   As a counselor, my involvement with computers has been limited to       e-mails and typing recommendation letters and reports in Microsoft Word.  I now know more about Word applications. My work within Excel and the use of PowerPoint were also very limited.  I always relied on others for set-up, so that I could use the applications.  I now foresee endless uses of Excel applications in my work as a counselor.  It is great to feel confident that I can now, with limited assistance, do it.   My plans include using Excel to disaggregate data to share with our 9^th grade team and creating Power Point presentations for our parent meetings.  I also plan to offer mini seminars for our upper class students on various topics.  Knowledge of how to use these applications will help with preparation.   I foresee a “Meet the Counselor” brochure, similar to the one I created through Microsoft Publisher, personalized for each counselor, to share with parents.

The work with setting up blogs and websites was a real stretch for me.  I am still trying to wrap my brain around all of the information presented.  The understanding of this required a complete paradigm shift.  But I am intrigued by it.  In fact, I am so intrigued that I plan to continue to review notes, and work with the new information.  I am optimistic that I can make the website work for me.   Ironically, understanding how to “Google It” was one of the best benefits from the class.  I had limited knowledge of “Google”.  The awareness of its extensive possibilities is unmeasured.

Overall, this course empowered me with the confidence to explore.  I have always enjoyed learning, however, much of my learning has consisted of additional learning in areas that I am already familiar. This course forced a complete paradigm shift.  Within that paradigm shift rests its value to me.   Therefore, I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of the Cyber Teacher course.   It should be required of all educators.

The benefits I gained from the IT Gold Summer program can be categorized within three general areas:  awareness, knowledge, and a focused paradigm shift.

Awareness was an important benefit of this course.  My work with students drove my decision to enroll in the course.  I wanted to know more.  I sensed that I needed a solid working knowledge of computer applications and needed to stay abreast of technological advancements so that I could continue to identify with my students.  I understood that it would not increase my salary.  The only benefit to me would be the knowledge gained. The video, shared with us, of the lecture by Thomas Friedman was not only interesting – it sealed the deal.  Viewing it helped me understand the importance of my decision.   I was now in self-imposed uncharted learning territory.

Another benefit was knowledge.   As a counselor, my involvement with computers has been limited to       e-mails and typing recommendation letters and reports in Microsoft Word.  I now know more about Word applications. My work within Excel and the use of PowerPoint were also very limited.  I always relied on others for set-up, so that I could use the applications.  I now foresee endless uses of Excel applications in my work as a counselor.  It is great to feel confident that I can now, with limited assistance, do it.   My plans include using Excel to disaggregate data to share with our 9^th grade team and creating Power Point presentations for our parent meetings.  I also plan to offer mini seminars for our upper classmen on various topics.  Knowledge of how to use these applications will help with preparation.   I foresee a

“Meet the Counselor” brochure, similar to the one I created through Microsoft Publisher, personalized for each counselor, to share with parents.

The work with setting up blogs and websites was a real stretch for me.  I am still trying to wrap my brain around all of the information presented.  The understanding of this required a complete paradigm shift.  But I am intrigued by it.  In fact, I am so intrigued that I plan to continue to review notes, and work with the new information.  I am optimistic that I can make the website work for me.   Ironically, understanding how to “Google It” was one of the best benefits from the class.  I had limited knowledge of “Google”.  The awareness of its extensive possibilities is unmeasured.

Overall, this course empowered me with the confidence to explore.  I have always enjoyed learning, however, much of my learning has consisted of additional learning in areas that I am already familiar. This course forced a complete paradigm shift.  Within that paradigm shift rests its value to me.   Therefore, I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of the Cyber Teacher course.   It should be required of all educators.

It has been a few days since I visited my blog.  This course has simply overtaken my life.  I know that I need to remind myself of  Katherine’s “Soft Skills” lesson on worrying.  Though I don’t want to believe that I was worried, I have been quite concerned that I would survive this course.  One more day! I can’t believe it.  When I think back on the numerous 2 a.m. bedtimes and the martahon study  weekends over the last four weeks, it is amazing that I am still standing!:)  But, I do feel that it was all worth it.   When I consider the vast amount of information  introduced, I actually feel excited about the ability to approach some of my responsibilities differently.  I am  excited about the new school year!

Interestingly, part of our class Tuesday was devoted to stress management.  Our assignment was to read additional articles on stress management.  This could not have occurred at a better time because just when I needed time to take deep breaths and regroup from my job stress, I delved into a brand new area for me – Cyber Class!

The Mind Tools websiste is excellent and the “Stop Worrying and Start Living” worksheet included gentle reminders that I definitely needed.  I just realilzed that I have not exercised since beginning Cyber Class!  It is true that I am definitely worried about successfully completing this class, however, I know that  because this is new territory, I am definitely learning.  I also know that I will do all within my power to do my best.  So my challenge is to acknowledge my truths and each day stay determined to put one foot in front of the other with the expectation that all will be well.  Other life experiences have taught me that after you have done all that you can do, you must accept that whatever will be will be.  Over the holiday break I will continue to work, find time to play and expect the best.

Class today was quite interesting.  We are beginning to work on our websites and I am anxious to understand how it all works.  As of now, it is still a fog.  I’m listening and working in class, but it is so frustrating  when I get home and try to do it on my own; I have, so far, been unsuccessful in dudplicating what I learned in class today.   So this has been another  frustrating night.    I have been trying for the past 2.5 hours to define my personal website on my laptop so that I can complete tomorrow’s  assignment.  I have referenced Thomas’s notes, my class notes and Dreamweaver’s site to get it done, yet I cannot determine the step I am obviously omitting.  It is still not done and I am now so sleepy that I think it best that I stop for the night.  If anyone can help, please contact me.l

A recent professional development workshop that comes to mind is one presented by Lupe that addressed working with our ESL students and their parents.   This was not the first inservice that addressed this topic, however, Lupe’s organization and thorough knowledge of the material, as well as the energy she brought to her presentation hooked her audience.  It was also a plus that Lupe shared personal experiences with her audience and invited questions through e-mail or phone calls.   One felt that she actually enjoyed her job and cared about her audience.

I enjoy home and I work to make it a haven for family and friends to enjoy.  I need budget, but beautiful ideas and am constantly looking for inspiration.  I enjoy the website http://www.hgtv.com/  for that purpose.  I can easily maneuver through it.  Though I have a few favorite categories, I find them all to be inspirational in some way.

I thoroughly enjoyed the short motivational talk presented by Catherine Lowry today.   My listening challenge is to stay tuned in when outside distractions invade my space.  Any chatter, noises, or  activity of any kind severely distract me.  Could that challenge be directly related to my Meyers Briggs personality profile? Though many times beyond my control, to stay connected to the intended focus, I must isolate myself from distractions.

Well, I survived three days of class and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I’m so glad to be exposed to the technogeek vocabulary and I am amazed at the genius of “Google”.  I am actually excited about getting on the computer tonight and exploring.   I am now beginning to think that just maybe some mastery is possible for me.

One of our assignments is to answer the question”what does self-initiated learning mean to you?” Here are my thoughts.

A self-initiated learner is one who enjoys learning and delights in the reality that learning is a life-long process.  To initiate means to begin; to self-initiate refers to one who is willing to open onself to new experiences and welcome the unknown.  The motivation is intrinsic and steeped in curiosity.  The desire for new and different experiences is grounded in the belief that one’s life will be enriched in profound ways that will promote a more actively engaged and socially conscious individual, the product of which will be the enrichment of one’s life and those of others.

Class today was quite interesting.  More tech vocabulary and basic computer related information.  We worked more with blogs.  So much to absorb and I feel as if most information is going right over my head.   I have worked several hours tonight in an effort to complete the homework assignment.of changing the theme on my blog.   I finally did it!!    The challenge is to be able to do it again.  If it were not so late…..zzzzzzzzzz.  Nevertheless, it is a tiny step toward making sense of this course which obviously is going to require a major paradigm shift for me.   As with most new experiences, determination is the key.  Looking forward to that aha moment when that happens.

More work today on understanding our personalities.  We scored our Meyers Briggs inventories. No surprises -  results were consistent with my assessment of myself.

I cannot believe that I am so thoroughly confused.  It is all made  perfect sense to me today in class.  Now, a few hours later, I am literally fishing for the information to assist me in posting on my blog.  I wonder if anyone else is confused or if my technical knowledge is so limited that it will be forever difficult for me to keep up.  To complicate matters, I don’t feel well  at all.  I am definitely hoping to feel better before the sun rises.  Missing class tomorrow is not an option!   I definitely would never catch-up.  Just wondering if any of the fellow students are neophytes as I am?  Surely someone else is experiencing some of the insecurities also.

But, regardless of my professed insecurities, I am excited about learning.  I recognize that the proficient use of  Office 2007 will assist me tremendously in my work as a counselor.  I am looking forward to:

1. perfecting my use of Windows and Word
2. Learning to use Excel and Power Point.   I hope to learn to merge tables and charts in Excel.  This will streamline my required reports, somewhat.
3. And of course, I hope to be successful in establishing a web page.  I will use this to stay in contact with my students and parents during the school year.                                                          

Whew!  Just writing my thoughts emphasizes the enormity of this task.  But, I will continue to tune in and try.