Web Conference March 23rd Reflection

I am 49 years old and have been in education for the last 18 years. Last Wednesday evening, the 23rd, I attended my first ever web conference. Myself and 98 other participants logged into the chat room and texted back and forth with the course professor. At first I was frustrated by the technical problems, sound, and the text flying by because everyone was attempting to ask questions and answer questions. But after about ten minutes I had settled into the new experience and began to enjoy it. I found that some of the questions and answers were extremely helpful, because I had the same questions. I realized that I am not isolated in my confusion around the portfolio or graduation requirements. I also found some interesting information about state budgeting information for next year, especially around technology. I did have a few questions afterwards about why only seven people could be seen, and why it was always them. Why wasn't everyone able to speak instead of type. But overall I came away with thinking what a great tool web conferencing is and how we are missing the boat in our classrooms with this potentiallly untapped resource at our disposal. We are really doing our students a disservice around technology in public schools. In todays world how can we not tap these resources to prepare them for the real world.