Course Reflection-Week 3

After only three weeks in this course I am amazed at how much I have already learned. There have been some challenges for me that others, who are more computer savvy, may not have encountered. I am finding that, not only am I learning so much information through the content of the course, but I am learning a lot about computer use in general. At times it has been frustrating and at times it has been extremely rewarding.
I must say, before I continue, that the people in this course are fantastic. I really feel that this is a group effort with everyone supporting each other in oder to succeed. It is wonderful to know that that support is there.
I began in week one not even knowing what a blog was, let alone how to create one. My blog was originally created and didn't contain the 'add new page element', so my investigating began. With the help of Candace and others I was determined to solve the mystery. My frustration grew, but after finally updating my system I solved the problem and was back to blogging. What a great feeling of accomplishment. A little glich, but it was "driving me crazy". One hurdle overcome, but another was to follow. This week I finished my assignment 2 early and knew that all I had to do was send it. I would hold off in case I decided to change it, or new information from the class discussions would effect what I sent. Then when I actually went to send it as an attachment, I could not get it to attach as office 2.2 (which I had created it in). I tried all sorts of avenues, but it wouldn't open correctly as an attachment. I did send it in as a html document, but was disappointed how it changed it. So now I have another challenge so that hopefully I can send my next assignment as I have created it.
In regards to the course content, I am finding it fascinating. The topic of internet safety has become a huge issue and people, regardless of their computer skills, are aware of it. However, through reading articles and through discussions I have learned so much and understand now how really dangerous the internet can be if one is not careful. This course has given me a chance to examine computer use through the eyes of my students. It is amazing how knowledgable they are on computer uses and abuses. It has forced me to think more in depth about their concerns, such as cyber-bullying. I love how everyone shares their opinions, knowledge, and websites, and there is opportunity for feedback and honest discussion.
For the last two weeks I have been exploring websites and software that I had not exposed myself to before. It is great. I am discovering some great finds that I will definitely use with my students. Before this course I had a standard "set" (for lack of a better word) of software that we used in the classroom. Now it has expanded ten fold thanks to everyone's input.
I am so glad that I have taken this course. I am finding it very rewarding. I may not be a computer 'wiz', but with a class and instructors this supportive, I think I may just make it through.