My use of technology during the course of this semester proved to be an eye-opening experience. I learned many things, most importantly that using technology in classroom is not only a way to promote intrinsic motivation for learning in my students, but also an opportunity for me to learn more about teaching and technology.

I have considered myself to be a bit of a technology guru in the past, but I have learned that I have a long way to go before I acquire any kind of mastery. This is especially apparent in the two WebQuests I composed for this World Lit class. The first one on culture isn't really a true WebQuest - it is a project that could still be done without technology. By the time I composed the second WebQuest on Greek tragedy, I had done extensive research on the technology, looked at more examples, and put more time and effort into my work. The result is a much better learning experience for my students.

In terms of student learning with technology, I believe that my students needed a stronger background in how to efficiently and effectively use certain technologies, in order to maximize their learning. This is true with the PowerPoint presentations composed in the second WebQuest, the online Blackboard discussions, and online research projects. I would spend more time scaffolding and developing strategies for solving problems and working in these areas to help students learn the most, for instance, working on how to create an effective and not too flashy PowerPoint presentation.

Our students are growing up in a culture of technology, where these skills and strategies are vital to their success in almost any domain. I hope that my use of technology in the classroom has better prepared them for this reality, and that they will continue to be eager and active learners with technology.