My final Thoughts

The course is finally coming to an end and in retrospect I have to admit that this has been a rewarding experience for me. During the last couple of weeks, I have been exposed to a range of Web 2.0 tools that can make teaching much easier for me while at the same time capturing the interest of the students in my class as well as motivating them. The use of Wikis, blogs, digital photo stories and concept mapping software have proven to be functional in the classroom. Moreover, if these tools are used in the right manner, they will definitely enhance the literacy development of my students.

This experience has also proven to be quite challenging because of the difficulties I have encountered in accommodating the wealth of information that has been presented by the lecturer and tutors. Additionally, the allotted time for practise in the computer labs has been insufficient. I needed more time to practise these skills in order to fully understand, master and benefit from the sessions as well a s to fully comprehend their applicability in the classroom setting. I am not fully competent in the use of these technologies but I feel confident that given more time and further opportunities for practice, I will eventually master these skills and be able to really utilise them for the benefit of my students and myself.

Nonetheless, I am embracing this opportunity because it has allowed me to gain a new perspective on the use and integration of technology in reading instruction. I have also been able to change the perception that using the computer is a complex process which i can not do. If I want my students to use the technology, then, I must be comfortable and competent enough to offer them assistance ad guidance in the use of these tools to enhance the learning process for them.