AuburnChick's Adventures

I can scarcely believe that I only have ten weeks left to go in my education certification program.

I spent last week finishing up assignments.

I had to evaluate an educational software package for my teaching and technology class.  The teacher had instructed us not to purchase software, but finding a complete trial version of software was not easy.  Fortunately, I found this site, which proved invaluable.

I chose to evaluate Jump Start 5th Grade.

My children had several of these titles when they were in elementary school, and I loved them; however, that was back in the 90’s.  Unfortunately, this software is old and does not incorporate a lot of today’s technology. 

Either way, the experience of evaluating software was a good reminder of what to look for in technology.

For one of my field experience classes, I had to complete a professional development scale.  What this assignment entailed was creating short-term and long-term goals for each of the twelve Florida Educator competencies.

It required a lot of self reflection and practical application.

I also had to take a practice test for the Profession Educator Exam.

I learned a huge lesson.

Never take a quiz at 12:30 in the morning.

The results were not altogether pretty.

Note to Self:  Don’t schedule my real exam for the darkest hours of the night.

Not that the facility will be open, but you know me and my anal self.  I’m sure in my sleep-deprived state, I might just try to insist that I be allowed to do just such a crazy thing.

Either way, the practice test was good for me.  It pointed out some areas that I need to study…namely the various psychological theories of education.

Other than those two big projects, I only had to write a couple of responses to my classmates’ discussion forum postings (if you have ever attended school online, you’ll know that classroom “conversation” is generated through the use of discussion forums).

I had worked my behind off…and it all paid off when I was able to greet my Chicky, who came home for Easter, without worrying about pending assignments.

As such, I was able to spend the weekend relaxing my brain, enjoying my girl, and celebrating Easter.

Although I am still awaiting feedback on a number of assignments, I am not stressed at the moment.  Although my next term will start in a couple of weeks, I am going to enjoy the freedom I currently have.

Folks, the next time I write, I will be in single digits!

Go on and do the happy dance with me!

Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: certification classes, teaching |