Randy Lee's Last EDL518 Blog

Well in the words of Mel Tillis from that classic movie "Smokey and the Bandit"; "We've got a long way to go and a short time to get there." That is what the journey in this class has seemed like to me; I came a long way in a short time. I was exposed to quite a few new technologies I hope to use in the classroom and in future jobs, areas of technology that I can explore to increase my awareness in this field and a collection of just good old fashion technological know-how from a very talented group of educators. I was extremely impressed with Kevin Olesen's use of the "i-stop-motion" software, so much so I have already explored the web looking for PC based software and plan on downloading the free trial versions from sites that have the best reviews that I have discovered on Animation BLOGS. I know these last comments have little if any to do with the assignment, connecting what I learved to the standards, but it is what I reflected upon. I am a little burnt out from this year for a variety of reasons and I was not sure if I was going to resign my contract for the next year but this class has sparked me to try and incorporate some of this technology into my lessons, trying to go farther with student center learning and transformation. My belief is as an educator, if I don't always try to modify my lessons so they match with the student's skill sets then I really am not educating. It was great working with you all; good luck to those that have completed the program and are moving into administration and to those that are continuing, I hope to have class with all of you again; you are all great talents. And in a final word, Danielle thanks for putting up with the many personalities and learning levels you had in this class. I loved the fact that things didn't frazzle you much and that one of your pet sayings with us was "That Works"; it sure did. Thanks again, great job and look forward to seeing you again some time.