Reflection
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reflection

n 1: a calm lengthy intent consideration [syn: contemplation, meditation, reflexion, rumination, musing, thoughtfulness]

-Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

A reflection over the past 12 months will indeed be a "lengthy consideration", but I'm not sure how "calm" that same consideration might be. The past year has been packed with more experiences than I would ever have believed possible. Most were fun, interesting and enlightening, many were time-consuming and tiring and a few were downright frustrating and exhausting. But if I were asked if I would do it again, I would have to say "Yes". I've learned so many things that I would never have been able to cover if left to my own devices. The course has been overwhelming, yes; but, oh, so rewarding, too.

When I first started the TATC course I had no idea what I was getting into. I'd never taken an online course before. I didn't really know how they worked or what would be involved. All I did know was that the Vision IT workshops were great fun with challenges that were "right up my alley". As I went through the year, I continued to learn and learn and learn. But I will admit--there were times when I was wondering if it would be worth all the work, frustrating and lost sleep. As we come near the end of the course, I'm amazed at the things I have been able to accomplish. I now know a great deal more about Technology Applications, but I also now know just how much I have yet to learn. (I can't wait!)

The skills that I have learned in this course have become intertwined into every aspect of my life. At school, at church, at the Riding Club, in 4H, during softball, at all these places, I apply these skills in a multitude of ways. One of the most important benefits I have enjoyed is the ability to share these skills with others. These skills are "real-world" skills. Today's high school student must have some level of skill in all technology areas. Not all students will need to be experts in every field, but all students must have a degree of comfort in working in most technology areas. This was confirmed during my observations for the TATC requirements. I was fortunate enough to be able to observe several companies working in different aspects of business technology. Each and every skill taught in the TATC course was represented during the time I observed these companies. As a teacher, it is very gratifying to know that what I'm teaching (and learning!) is what is actually going on in the real world.

Standards I-V | Standard VII | Standard VIII
Standard IX | Standard X |

Standards I - IV

Standard I through Standard IV are general skills that are expected to be met in just about every project during the TATC course. While completing the assignments for TATC, I have learned from each of the first five TA Standards. Standard I addresses the ability to use different strategies to make informed decisions. I've learned many strategies and techniques that allow me to evaluate my needs and how best to accomplish my task. I've learned also, that not all of the information that is available using today's advanced technology is useful or even valid. Standard II addresses the need to be able to find, analyze and evaluate the information that is available today using technology. Standard III addresses the requirement to know which tools to use and how best to use them in a problem-solving situation. The number of tools that I now have available to me is astounding. I've become familiar with many different possible applications for creating and evaluating technology products. Standard IV speaks to the communication of information in different formats and for diverse audiences. I've become aware of many ways that I can ensure that the information I wish to distribute can be received and used by a widely diverse audience. I have already been implementing Standard V--using current technology to teach and integrate the TA TEKS into my everyday curricula. TATC has provided so many possibilities and ideas on how to accomplish this.

Standard VII

Standard VII discusses various aspects of Desktop Publishing. Ranging from hardware and software needs to evaluating DTP products against established criteria (and everything in between). My skill level at DTP has increased mostly as a result of the other Technology Standards. I've been "doing" desktop publishing for years and have a fairly high level of comfort with developing DTP products. During TATC, I challenged myself by using software programs that I was not as familiar with. It was fun and helpful.

Standard VIII

The topic covered by Standard VIII is Digital Graphics and Animation. This was a topic that I knew a little bit about, but I learned more than I would have ever thought. Deciding which software program to use to achieve the results I was looking for, comparing file sizes and quality, editing graphics, using 3D effects, animation and evaluating method of content delivery were all covered in this Standard. When I started TATC, I was familiar with many aspects of digital editing, but I knew very little about the correlation between file size and image quality and nothing at all about animation and 3D effects. While I'm still not an expert, I know a lot more now and put together some pretty cool effects with digital images.

Standard IX

Multimedia is addressed by Standard IX. To cover this standard, we studied about integrating many different types of technology into one effective product. Deciding which software to use became a more difficult task as we were introduced to many types of applications for multimedia work. But, what a great problem to have! Multimedia is an area which encompasses a lot of different programs and processes. I had dabbled with multimedia to some extent in the past, but the assignments required by TATC forced me to stretch what I already knew and reach out to learn even more.

Standard X

Video Technology was the standard that had me most frightening and concerned. The Video Technology course did not start out well for me, either-so I was really worried. But, as they say in the fairy tales, all's well that end's well. As a matter of fact, I truly enjoyed working with Video Editing--after I got the equipment I needed, that is. I learned about things that I had never even thought of before and I have to admit, I will never watch another movie in the same way as I used to. Being made aware of the things that go into making a simple movie has truly opened my eyes to some fun new ideas. I can't wait to teach Video Technology in some of my classes next year.

Standard XI

Standard XI covers all aspects of Web Mastering. I had done a few pages before and I was looking forward to learning more about designing and creating web pages. TATC did a great job of giving assignments which were challenging and fun, and would facilitate the students' learning. While I still have a long way to go, my web pages now look a bit more professional and I'm certainly more comfortable designing and creating them. As the years go by, I plan to expand on the Web Mastering content which I teach at our High School

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So. Where do we go from here? I'm looking ahead and can see the end of the TATC course in sight. But do I plan to stop learning? No way! Now my challenge is to teach and keep on trying to stay ahead of the students in my classroom. Thanks to TATC, I've got a giant head start on most of them!

Some of my specific goals for my future include:
~Teach Web Mastery, Video Technology and Digital Imaging in the classroom in a more in-depth manner.
~Stay abreast of the current technology so that I can introduce students to skills that will be necessary in their futures.
~Continue to introduce new classes to Eula High School students to enhance their chances for a successful future.

While the thought scares me to death, I'll probably keep my eye out for another TATC type course. I believe it was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done--certainly one of the hardest! But I also believe that in the field of technology a person needs to do whatever it takes to stay up-to-date with what's current and what's in the future.

Thanks, TATC, for this past year. It's one that I'll never forget!