Monday, September 14, 2009

ED 638: Teaching with the Internet
Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera


Final Reflection


Managing this course is not very easy for people who are considered as novice when it comes to using the computer. And I am one of those whom I describe. As I started taking this class and the other (ED 638), I encountered new topics which I am not familiar with. Some of these are Moodle, Livetext, and Blogger. These are new concepts for me which makes it difficult to manage. However, I am very grateful to my two professors, Dr. Rivera and Dr. Stoicovy. Without their support, assistance, and guidance, I would not be where I am right now. I know that I am very far from becoming efficient with the computer, but what I learned from them so far helped me to complete the course works.

In my previous comments, I described how I managed these classes comparing it to Chuukese children entering schools on Guam or in the mainland. These children first dealt with the English language and then the content of their classes. For me, it’s the computer and the Internet.

There are times when unexpected things happened at my end that I could not have control over. One example is the power situation on our island. Some times we don’t have power. At other times our generator broke down in which I have to wait for a day or two to do my work. Again thanks to Dr. Rivera and Dr. Stoicovy because they are very understanding.

As I am nearing the end of the session, I felt great and elated because I have learned so much from these two courses. For example, in ED 641, I have learned new approaches, new methodologies, and new skills to improve students’ achievement and performance. This is just the theme for this year education symposium in Chuuk, “to improve students’ achievement and performance.” What I learned from Dr. Stoicovy, I shared it with the teachers. What an achievement! In ED 638, I learned how to make lessons easier and efficient by tabbing into websites that are ready to assist teachers to improve the quality of their works so that students performed to our expectations.

What I learned so far from both classes will not only benefit my self but would also benefit the whole State of Chuuk since I feel that it would be a disservice on my part if I don’t help our teachers improve the quality of their teaching by updating them on the best practices that are relevant and appropriate to our own situation.

Thank you very much Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Dr. Catherine Stoicovy.