From+My+Heart

**FROM MY HEART**
By: Marilyn Stover ==== ** I must admit...I was very intimidated about taking this class. Educational Technology...that sounds interesting, what is it? The reason I felt so overwhelmed was because //I do not have very strong computer skills//. Furthermore, it is an on-line class. But, I thought about it, and thought maybe it would be just what I needed to learn more about computers. Who knows...the class may possible be about how to use a computer effectively in a classroom, or how to incorporate the use of technology into the classroom. For example: Websites, Smartboards, Visual Projectors, Scanners, Printers, etc. I could learn about some Technological Assistive Tools that exceptional learners in our classroom may need to use. But, although I was worried and a bit intimidated, I had two other friends that are taking this class. Laurie Warner and Gayle Crane-Brodie; whom I have had in a few other classes and we have all worked well in groups together. These two women are both hard-working adults that have gone back to school to become elementary school teachers, just like me... so I thought, //"What the Heck,"// I will sign-up for this class--- How hard could it be??? ** **Well, I will tell you...this is the most difficult class I have ever taken, and this is the class I have spent the majority of my time on since Februrary. I have dreamt about the assignment, I have gotten far behind on the assignments but I really am very proud of the Wikispace page. I am glad I took this class, but this has been a long hard sememster and sad to say I am glad it is almost over. I need to get on with my life and do something other than sit at computer all evening and or weekend long. I take five times longer to do an assignments than other people. I would have to call my husband to ask how to do something that was supposedly simple. I even had trouble (still have) trouble with the Wiki editor, it just won't do what I want it to do. I have had to revert back to previous drafts a few times--- //what a hassle//. However, when I was at my wits-end and stuck on an assignment I just could not get my head around...I knew in MY HEART I had good People to //lean-on,// so I want to thank them for all of their support. ** ====
 * ** First and foremost, I feel eternally blessed and grateful have such a wonderfully patient Professor as Dr. Candace Stocker. She is so understanding about real-life happenings. There were many times when I needed an extra nudge to keep going through an uncomfortable assignment. To boost my morale, all I would have to do is read one of her teacher stories that she so caringly sent our way. Or, she made it clear that she was always available if we needed to e-mail her with a problem or concern. She usually would respond with an up-lifitng sentiment, and get me moving once again. Dr. Stocker-THANK YOU! **
 * ** Next, I want to thank my husband; Kevin for helping me with computer issues or just explaining to me what some terminology meant when I would come across something (which was often) that I needed help with. He was only a phone call away when I needed him, and he has such a sharp mind as a computer (techie nerd) guy, he could even understand my faulty jargon explanation about a problem. I am also thankful that he was able to put up with my //moodiness// and near mental breakdowns when I thought all was lost. I am sure my husband will be glad to have his wife back, as our house needs to be cleaned, the dog's needs attention, and I want to get outside and walk and enjoy the weather. Kevin- "My Love"- Thank you! **
 * ** Lastly, I want to thank both Laurie Warner and Gayle Crane-Brodie for being there in the same boat, and hanging on right along with me. Both of them were always willing to get together at the Library, coffee shop or just over the phone to explain concepts, bounce ideas off of ,or generally touch-base with if I was having doubts about something I was doing. They are very special people- who I am sincerely grateful to have in my life. My friends: Laurie and Gayle-Thank you! **

Mrs. Stover's Class Wikispace Site.**
 * ** In Conclusion: I must admit I am very, very proud of the finished product that is MY Wikispace page. I have had my immediate family, far-away family and friends view my Wikispace page. They are continually in awe of all that I have learned, know and have produced. This is a major //feel-good// point in my life. Though it was a very difficult class for me...I did my best and am very happy with the results that I have produced. **