To begin with this post, I thought I would copy all of my blog posts and put them into Wordle. Here is the result.

Let’s look at three of the big recurring words.

1. Classroom: I learned how to maximize the space in my classroom to emphasize collaborative and maker-inspired learning. I not only learned the principles behind this and designed a classroom in Sketchup, but I actually redesigned my real life classroom to match my designs. It has been a phenomenal success so far.
2. MakeyMakey: I actually learned how circuits worked. As part of our lessons, my students go to the Michigan Science Center four times a year to learn in the field. They conduct experiments with the museum staff and and learn principles of science. As a social scientist, I know very little about physical, biological, or chemical science. I am usually unable to help my students in their experiments. However, the last two visits have focused on using and creating circuits. With my experience in MakeyMakey, I was able to help guide my students through the learning and take some of the pressure off the museum staff.
3. Learning: Most importantly, I have come to understand that learning can be student driven. Learning by doing, while scary for a young teacher, is a valuable resource to a class. By allowing my students to learn through educational technologies such as Minecraft and MakeyMakey, I have made history come alive for them.

CEP 811 has taught me quite a bit about my practice. I will use what I have learned here for the rest of my life.