This ePortfolio demostrates my ability with technology and how it can be used in an educational setting. 

Initially, I was a little leery of too much technology in the classroom.  Even though I taught at a technology magnet and had a great deal of technology at my disposal, I wasn't so sure about how much could be used and still have an effective learning experience.

Through this class, I slowly became more comfortable with the use of various types of technology.  I suddenly realized that it isn't so much how useful or not the technology was, my concerns seemed to stem more from the lack of training I was given in these technologies.  This ePortfolio also demonstrates the confidence I have gained.

WebQuest-  The purpose of this webquest was to help prepare my fellow classmates for an exam on the types of assessment.  I think the most important thing I gained form this excersise is the confidence to create a WebQuest on my own.  To be honest, I was really dreading this assignment.  Once I began, however, I was up for HOURS, totally engaged in the assignment.  I was truly having a blast!  I was so proud of it, I even e-mailed it to my friends who are not teachers.  I am not sure they quite understood the importance of the task but they thought it looked cool.  This was a wonderful learning experience for me.  This is why I have it listed first.  :)

Authentic Assessment-  This lesson plan is a ton of fun.  I just had to include it.  The topics covered are, historically, very important yet often overlooked in histoy classes.  I was able to tie in technology to this assignment, as well as a variety of other educational tools which, I think, makes it very well rounded and accessable to every student.

Wikis-  These wikis were created as part of a class project throughout the semseter.  Coming into this class, I was pretty down on wikis.  I did not see the purpose of wikis -at all- in an educaitonal setting.  However creating ones myself, and as part of a team, it taught me that wikis do hold educational value.  Creating them as part of a team -or individually- I found that the knowledge I was forming into the wiki stuck with me.  I was better able to relate it and retain it.  It was also a valuable teamwork learning expereince.  Sometimes, good, sometimes bad but always valuable.  I was also very proud of my contributions to these pages.

Blog-  I decided to include my blog because I think it helps explain a bit more of where I am coming from, philosophically speakng, in the classroom.  I was also an excellent outlet for gathering thoughts and ideas and forming them into something a little bit more cogent.

Overall, I would say I have come a long way in my attitude towards technology in the classroom.  These assignments have pretty much sold me on the validity and importance of a technologically sound classroom.  I will definitely be working on creating more lessons  using some of these tools to create more authentic-types lessons and assessment.  :)