Elisa Balbuena - ED-638 Final Self Reflection

    As Fall Intersession comes to an end, I find myself looking back in surprise at everything that I have accomplished over the past four weeks. I was in good company at the beginning of the course, truly freaking out about all the assignments that I had to complete and the very limited time I had to do them. I have to admit that there was a moment when I felt unable to move in the face of everything listed in the Moodle room. However, I collected my wits (although it took a little bit) and recommitted myself to the determination to finally meet expectations for Educator Disposition 4: Demonstrates a Positive and Enthusiastic Attitude. Now, at the end of Fall Intersession, I believe I was able to do that.

    Although the workload of ED-638 was immense, I found myself enjoying everything I was learning about and learning to do. Diving deeper into Internet tools that I have already had experience with opened my eyes to more ways that I could use them effectively in my classroom. Researching various literacy websites, some of which I had never heard of before the day I pulled their names off of a list to research, was incredibly helpful as both a teacher and a member of the professional development training team at my school. Learning about Google Earth and finding ways to incorporate the application into my lesson and unit plans was also enlightening, especially when I would not usually use Google Earth as an ELA teacher.

    There were many times that I struggled to maintain positivity throughout the four weeks, but ultimately I reminded myself that I am working to improve for the benefit of my current and future students. Despite the frightening workload, I think I have gleaned everything that I can from this course, and I look forward to everything that awaits me in the last few courses in the program.