Reflect and Look Ahead

         I have always been interested in the brain and how it works. As an educator, I believe it is vital that I know more about how my students learn and develop. If I understand how my students' brains are functioning, I can plan lessons to meet their needs in order to help them be the most successful. I hope that by the end of this program, I will be able to apply what I have learned about the brain and teaching to my classroom and students. When I was in college, I didn't have my own classroom so it was difficult to apply concepts I learned in my classes. However, I am excited about starting this certificate program because I have a few years experience as well as my own classroom now. I am eager to see how the information I learn throughout this program will affect my abilities and knowledge as a teacher.

        The Online Orientation has been useful in preparing me for the future classes I will take in the program. It has been helpful for me to see the format of the ELC as well as navigate through the site. I am glad I was able to see what the cycle will be like each week. I have had the opportunity to complete activities in the time they will need to be completed during each class. I plan on managing my time throughout each week to complete all of the assignments. I will be online checking the new assignments every Tuesday and then I will be able to plan the time I need to spend on my assignments for that week so they are complete by the following Monday. I also plan on not waiting until the last minute, especially with it being an online program. I wouldn't want to experience any technical problems at the last minute and not be able to complete my assignments. This orientation course has also been helpful in introducing me to other students in the class. I look forward to working with the other students in the class and making sure that I am doing my part in all of our team discussions or projects. I plan on using all of the forms of communication with the other students that are available to us in this class. I also think that the gradebook will be useful in keeping track of my grades and being able to review feedback on my assignments.
        
        I don't have any areas that I necessarily need additional support. However, I am a little apprehensive about a few things in the class but I think both of those things will be better with time. The synchronous sessions that will be required make me nervous. However, I am thankful that I will be able to participate in one this week so that I know what to expect during the program. I think I will feel better after that. The other area that concerns me is the teamwork we will be required to complete. I noticed that on the teamwork rubric, the team is graded as a whole. I enjoy working on teams but I know in previous classes that I have taken, there are times I have been on a team with some people that do not do their part on time or at all and the other team members have to compensate. I hope that during this class, I will not experience those problems.