I can't believe our time in this program is almost done! The year and a half really flew by, and I really feel like the end is bittersweet! As much as I will be happy to be done, I will really miss seeing all of these wonderful people each week.
I really enjoyed reflecting on my blog postings from the beginning to now. I really have grown a lot, and reflecting on my posts reminded me of some really cool things I've come across and wanted to use, but had forgotten about! I'm going to take some time to revisit those. I have accomplished so much including learning about the inside of my computer and how it works, how to make my presentations SO much better, how to bring authors and experts into my room through Skype, how to facilitate my own online class, and many, many more things. It has been a whirlwind of knowledge!
The only thing I was frustrated in not knowing much about is e-portfolios. I really feel it would have been much more productive if we had learned about those in the first few months and worked on them continuously throughout the program. It was really difficult to have to go back and remember what we did in all of our classes for the first year, in order to pick artifacts for our portfolios. I would have been able to do much better on my justifications for why I chose each piece, if it had been more fresh in my mind.
This program has affected me in many ways, both professionally and personally. It has probably been the biggest accomplishment in my professional career. It has helped me gain status among my colleagues, and I have earned more respect among my peers in terms of technology. Personally, it has been tough, trying to complete this program while continuing to work full time, and be a good wife and mother. However, I really feel the time has been worth it, and it has shown my children that people can be lifelong learners, even if they're pushing 40 years old! I hope it has been a good example for them of what you can accomplish if you really put your mind to it.
