Technology in the process of instructional delivery

When I first came to this class I thought I know a little bit about technology, but after a few weeks in that class; I realize that I’m not up to date in technology. I took a class at Lindsey Hopkins technical education Center 7 years ago on computer technology, but I never thought that technology could go or upgrade that fast.
The first day I walked to the class and I read the syllabus online; I wanted to drop the class. I asked myself “How I’m going to keep up with the students because everything had to something to do with technology. I use computer in my job, but it’s just using Microsoft Word or Excel, I also check my email regularly; being to that class show me the lack of technology knowledge I have. The first assignment that I had issue with the handout presentation; by looking at the example, I couldn’t tell with Microsoft program was used. It took me 2 days to figure that it was Microsoft word that I use every day. I did the assignment I get a good grade, but also I’ve learned how to use so many features from Microsoft word that I never used before. When I got to the PowerPoint presentation, it was another nightmare. I couldn’t find any clip art needed or I didn’t know how to. When I’m looking at the example which looked like a mystery at first, I couldn’t figure out how they did a fine job. I worked late and hard to create mine. My grade was not the best, but I did think I would get that.
Using livetext was the best experience in the all process. How beautiful technology that is. Livetext makes teachers and students’ life easier. The first night I had to turn the first assignment on livetext, I felt so lost; I had to spend some good times to understand the features. After I understood some of the features, I felt in love with the website because it’s so easy and beautiful. Also, I was so surprised the first time I turn my reflection in turnitin.com, I got a 65%. I didn’t know what I did wrong. Not only the website tells you what part of your assignment is plagiarism, but also where you can find the exact sentence. After the teacher explained us about it, I got 5% and 0% all the way.
Learning from turnitin.com made be a better learner, where I can read what people have said before me and instead of copy or repeat what they said; I understand, grass the idea and come up with my own opinion about the subject studied. I’ll keep that for the rest of my education and pass that on to my students. I was also amazed of the student grade book, the digital story. I remembered that when I was getting married I wanted to do a digital story with all me and my wife’s pictures, but I didn’t know how to do it. I’ve asked somebody to do it for me and I asked me so much money that I had to give up the project. If only I took that class not only I would not have to spend any money, but also I would see everybody at the wedding enjoying my digital story.
What I’ve learned in this class didn’t make me a better student but also a better teacher. I’ll integrate technology in my teacher just like I’ve learned in that class. Mr. Mcnair has done a good job in helping the students, encouraging them in order for them to stay and understand the class. In the beginning, some students felt the same as me as “I cannot do that”. Some had dropped the class, but most of us stay and face it. I’m happy I did because I would learn that if I followed the one that dropped. From now on, I’ll do my best to stay up-to-date with the technology.