Lessons+Learned

What I've learned in ed538

I've learned what it feels like to be the dumb kid in the class. The one who's behind and resigned to never catching up. I've learned what it feels like to feel overwhelmed and completely lost. I've experienced the excitement and relief of finally "getting" something – followed by the fear of forgetting it again because there's just so much to remember and so little time to assimilate it all. I've learned that what I always tell my students – that repetition is the key to remembering and practice makes perfect – really, REALLY is true. And yet I haven't practiced what I preach. At least not enough. Just like my students. For the first time, I've found myself trying to concentrate on what I will really be able to use from a class so that I can remember that part. . . and just let the rest go so that my mind won't be so cluttered I forget it all. Even though I know I may need it in the future. I've learned what it's like to not want to keep bothering my smart friend with questions when I know she's even busier than I am. Especially when I realize she's already shown it to me before. Maybe even twice. And I've felt what it's like to not want to ask a question in class because I think everyone else probably knows the answer and I'll be wasting their time.

In short, I've learned a LOT about using computers, but I've also learned a lot about my students. I hope I'll remember both.

Thank you, Dr. Pyatt.