My Cyber School Experience
Gracie Mays
June 14-July 16, 2009
I have had a “kick in the seat of my pants” experience as a cyber school participant. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into when I was selected to participate this summer. However, I must say that I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge in four weeks. I even dreamed about Excel functions the week we worked on the checkbook activity.
My cyber school instructors were Catherine Lowry, soft skills; David Luneau, Excel and computer technology; and Thomas Wallace, webpage design, blogging, and related skills. Each of my instructors was excellent, consistent, patient and goal driven. Their experience in teaching was quite evident in their field of expertise.
Week one was very trying to say the least. We were introduced to basic computer terminology, took a personality identification test, learned to create effective power point presentations with hyperlinks, and were introduced to web page terminology. This is the week that I seriously thought about returning the lap top, flash drive, etc. to LRSD. But, I have always taught my children not to be quitters. So, here I am in week three of the program.
Week two was devoted to Excel functions and Microsoft Office Publisher, creating a storyboard for the web page in Dreamweaver, hyper text mark-up language, attaching the style sheet to the homepage, and working on critical thinking skills and creative thinking. We also completed a tri-fold brochure in Microsoft Office Publisher.
Week three was devoted to completing the webpage, power point presentation and cyber school portfolio.
Our final week of school commenced with our presentations and portfolio exhibits. I must say that I enjoyed cyber school and I became acquainted with some wonderful classmates. Everyone was eager to help others, when necessary. We all had our days of “ups and downs”. Most of all, this has been a learning experience that I can put to use in the classroom and in everyday life. I’m very grateful to have had this opportunity.
Frustrated and exhausted is an understatement. I moved to another computer and I did not have a good day. David Luneau and Thomas Wallace were excellent goal-driven instructors today. Catherine Lowry discussed problem solving this week and stressed being organized. Only three days left!
Today is my youngest son’s birthday. I’m very fond and proud of Roland and his achievements in life. I’m working on my powerpoint and webpage in cyber school. Only 5 days left and it’s over!
Today Mrs. Lowry talked to the class about the 8 steps of planning. This was very useful information that can be used in everyday life situations. I gained insite on setting and completing goals. I’m really enjoying the final days of cyber school, although I have numerous tasks to complete in order to have finished products.
Yesterday, I finally understood the webpage designing technique. Thomas Wallace and David Luneau are excellent instructors. I have learned to listen, follow instructions, and practice, practice, practice. I need to work on my final power point presentation.
What a great holiday weekend. I didn’t realize how physically and mentally tired I was. I really needed the long weekend break! However, I was glad to see all of my family members on July 4th and we had a marvelous time. I did work on getting pictures together for my power point presentation and I’m still in the dark about my webpage. All in all, I’m getting to enjoy cyber school and the new freiends that I’ve met this summer.
Today was another great day. After being stressed all night trying to edit an index.html , we were givens options for dealing with stress. I really enjoyed the session on Microsoft office publishing because it is information that can be used in multiple situations. I still do not understand where I’m going with webpage designing, however, Thomas is an excellent teacher and I’m confident that we will all have a final product.
Today is the beginning of the third week of cyber school. I’m looking forward to learning more in Excel and designing a website. This will be a short week and I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and friends.
I really had a great learning experience this week. I’m learning how to deal with people with different personality profiles, how to do a storyboard & coding for a webpage. Excel is another story. I really have to practice to get the hang of it. I learned a lot from the video, “The World is Flat” and the way to do a good powerpoint presentation. Most of all I made it through week two of cyber school and it has not been easy!!!