One thing that I have learned so far in the class is that in the past, people have been just as torn over the positives and negatives of technology, such as the radio and television, as we are now in this day in age over computers, smartphones, etc. I have learned above all to question in more detail the intense excitement over the possibilites of technology. 

My rose - I have learned that the fierce debate over technology's role in classrooms and all forms of education is really an opportunity to question exactly what we mean by education. I've learned to push my own initial prejudices and opinions by seeking out information and personal experience with media like Twitter and digital books. I'm learning to think of human interaction and connection much more broadly, pushing against the idea that just because the form of education that I grew up with is comfortable and familiar it is not necessarily the most effective. 

A not-so-thorny thorn - One of my biggest challenges in Education (or I suppose all) classes is actually connecting my learning to what is happening daily in schools and other learning environment. I think that my work with Meenoo and the SLA Will resolve this, though, especially once I am able to actually visit SLA in person. 

I felt like this unit was a good introduction and laid down the foundation for the class: defining the terms and posing the big questions to contemplate over the course of the semester. It has encouraged me personally to engage with and explore technology that I have been reluctant to experiment with in the past, including prezi and instagram, and I am excited to continue to learn. We have also established initial contact with our pen pals in Ghana and while we are uncertain about the development of that relationship at this point, I am excited about the possibilities. The prospect of an undeveloped structure to this part of the course is exciting but at the same time, a bit anxiety provoking, and so I hope we can help future participants by laying down some sort of structure for them.

At the end of the thrid week I have to say that what I have truly enjoyed is learning more about my own interests and uses for technology. I am very excited to start my field placement which I feel will be very grounding on the subject of tech and education and to continue exploring twitter and blogs for articles and comments in the field.

Something that I had trouble with was our assignment to analyze a question from Selwyn's book. I had a lot of trouble with this analysis and could not get into the paper I was writing. I think most of the troubled stemmed from my own uncertanties with the question and lack of observations and knowledge. I am hoping at the end of the course I can come back to this paper and truly reflect on this stage of the class and where I was in my thinking. I feel with my field placement and further reseach I will be better equipped to analyze the question: Does technology make education fairer?

For the class I hope we continue to incorporate digital media into the class and that I personally can keep up with my explorations on my blog.