Overall Course Reflection

Introduction
I have truly enjoyed my time in IT 648, Telecommunications in Education. From the beginning of the summer while glancing over the course objectives, I was unsure if we would accomplish all of them but I see that throughout all of the readings, projects, and discussions we have successfully covered all course objectives. We starting out by becoming better acquainted with telecommunications in education, next we covered asynchronous instruction and technology proceeded by synchronous instruction, searching the Web, Web-quest, Web-blogs, and last Web-page design. Through the course assignments and readings, I have really come to understand how the world of technology is constantly changing and how important it is for our society to become are to stay as technologically and media savvy as possible.

Course Satisfaction
In most of my research on Distance (Synchronous) Learning, the researcher is interested in how students have improved or how a student perceives that he or she has learned in a class. It is also very interesting how student perceptions differ across different age groups. I have discovered how in the 25- 35 years age bracket, many of these students loved the flexibility, control of their own learning, and last was how online classes caused them to become better time managers. I agree with all three of these points. In order to be successful in the online course world, one must have excellent time management skills. These courses have given me the flexibility to engage on a time schedule that is convenient for me. Last, having the freedom to practice constructivist practices is how I am able to stay motivated in online learning environments.

Course Strengths and Challenges

The strength of this course lies in its online pedagogies, which are embedded within the shell of the course. IT 648 uses a student-centered pedagogy and is perhaps the most powerful strategy of this course. Being able to control your own learning is powerful. Flexibility as mentioned above is an inherent strength in this course. Many of us are not cut out for the traditional classroom and choose not to be bound by course time constraints. Last this class’ level interactivity is strength. I felt engaged with both professor and students. The biggest challenge for me in IT 648 and similar courses are:
· Carefully reading all assignment directions
· Budgeting my time so that I am not up all night trying to rush through an assignment.
· Instead of just posting on the discussion board, I realize that I should take the time to respond to others discussion posts.
The course projects were definitely course strength. After completing the Web-
Quest, Web-blog, and Eyejot, I feel more technologically competent and confident. I
realize that some of the letter grades that I received on these assignments are not reflective of how well I believed I learned on these assignments but I know to take the critiques on my projects and become a better student.
Some students shared a sentiment that we should have had some hands on experience in relation to computer networking. I agree because coming from a non-technological background and trying to understand network terminology, concepts, and jargon is extremely difficult. I would propose that for future courses an emphasis must be placed on hands-on experiences when dealing with networking.
Last, I would like to recommend that this course be modified to more of a hybrid online course because some of the topics in the course should call for us to have more hands on interaction. For example, the lessons on computer networking should have hands on component. Many students including myself are able to learn better through hands experiences. There were several topics in the lesson on computer networking that I was not able to comprehend from simply reading the text or participating on the discussion board.

Future goals for self-improvement

As I continue to take courses or attend workshops on instructional technology, I recognize that despite the fact that I have a strong enthusiasm and motivation to learn new technology, I must spend time practicing, listening, and developing overall proficiency in using computer technology. Some of my projects were of poor quality because I did not put much time and effort in them.
My research over the past year has been centered on Web-based instruction. After completion of my dissertation, I plan to increase my sample size by studying the perceptions of both faculty and students regarding synchronous instruction. I plan to publish my results in a peer-reviewed journal.

Classroom Integration
Since Hattiesburg Schools content and standards addresses technology integration into the curriculum, I would make sure that I integrate everything I have learned in IT 648 in my teaching and instruction. Hattiesburg Public High School where I am employed is made up of five-hundred students whom 99% are African American. Research shows that African American children learn best through hands-on experiences via computer technology. The Web-blog, Webquest, and the Eyejot would be the most beneficial assignments to students. Students would be required to register for all of the free software courses.
As a reading teacher, I would require students to develop a Web-blog based on a story they read. Once students create Webblog, they will be required to post everyday as if they were creating a journal. Next students should create a pod quest using Eyejot .com. Students could take a single lesson topic and learn how to convert it into podcasts. Web-quest and online presentations easily worked into the classroom curriculum. Students would be instructed to create Webpages telling about themselves and other personal things relating to the class.