So this is it..............

Final Curtain Call….

I can’t believe this two weeks is over already. The time flew by but the knowledge I gained will last a lifetime. Like anyone, when this class started I was reluctant of the assignments but eager to get started. I knew that I would have to work my hardest to be the high achiever I am. I made a few mistakes along the way, like not following APA format for one of my assignments. That was such a silly mistake that affected my grade! This was my first full blown online course; however I was no stranger to any of the technology used because I have had Dr. Smirnova two times prior to this class. She gave me the tools and knowledge to be comfortable with this technology. Because of this, I was able to help several of my classmates along the way. I love helping others it is in my nature. I love to help people when they are stressed out and find a solution for their problems at hand. Even though this class was all online, I was still able to do what I do best-help others. I was able to help Zach, Cori, Jonathan, Irene, Nicole, and Faith. I was teamed up with two amazing students, Zach and Faith who I know have helped me out a lot. Having them work with me collaborating day in and day out for the past two weeks have been nothing short of amazing. Both of them are very strong minded and knowledgeable. They will definitely become wonderful teachers one day. Every time I have taken a class with Dr. Smirnova I have been put in the position where I had to collaborate with my peers. One year ago this scared me. I did not like group work because I always ended up feeling stressed out because someone wouldn’t do their part. However, Dr. Smirnova taught me what REAL teamwork is, and how to properly facilitate our group efforts, she taught me what true team work is. I now love team work, because I now know how a group should be run. This class has shown me how a school works, the roles of those individuals involved in the school system as well as who really controls education. This course was important for my education because I should know these things since I am studying to become a teacher. We watched a video on the paradigm shift and I believe Sir Ken is right. I believe we do not need a reformation of our education but a whole transformation! I also believe that the whole ADHD medication for children is a bit over the top, everyone is so quick to jump to medication. He said the older we get the less divergent thinking we do. I have to agree with him here, we push back our creativity as we get older. We need to aim high, if we create the right conditions in our schools growth will happen; we need to shift from an industrial paradigm to an organic one. He said the problem is technology is moving faster than we think. Our children live in a different world than we do. The impact on culture is to be extraordinary, the population is rapidly increasing and we have one major problem: We are trying to meet the future with what was done in the past. We as humans have the power of imagination and it is taken for granted by almost all of us. We systematically destroy this capacity in us and in our children routinely and unthinkably. My whole way of thinking is different now in a good way because of Dr. Smirnova. I am sad that my time with her is now over. I have gotten used to taking her over the past year. I look to her not only as my professor, but as a confidant. I know even though I will not have her again as my professor, I will keep in contact with her. I have grown close with her and developed a wonderful relationship. Thank you for always being there for me, including during the hardest time of my life! I will never forget how wonderful you have been to me!!! I don’t remember what school is like without a blog or a WIKI. I have been conditioned to reflect upon every single thing I do, and I will continue to do so into my career. This is how I will always be able to make improvements. I need to be able to see what works and what doesn’t. Dr. Smirnova puts you in real life situations so you can really see how it would work in your classroom. She even has helped me in front of a class. She is the only teacher who makes you teach your own lesson to an entire class letting you really get the feel of being a teacher. If any of you have not had her before ED5210, I highly recommend you take her for another course. I am glad I had the opportunity to have her for the past year; I wouldn’t change it for the world. I know I will be a better teacher because of her, and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you.