Well, we have all said over and over again, I can't believe that it is almost over; now, we have reached that point. So, how do I feel about that fact? Actually, I have mixed feelings. Although this was a summer class, my first thought was that I wanted it to last a long time, not because I thought I would enjoy it, but for the fact that I knew saying good-bye to this class inevitably meant saying good-bye to the summer; a summer that I haven't even realized existed, because I have taken summer classes during all sessions. However, now that it is over, it is not only difficult to take in that it is time to get back to the old grind, but also that I have deeply enjoyed this class, more than I have ever tried to imagine enjoying a class, and it is now time to end this chapter and begin a new book-my senior year.

This week I took time finishing my PowerPoint Presentation from a mother's view point. Now that I look at it, it seems so simple. However, that was not the case at all; it took me forever to figure out how I wanted it to be arranged. The problem I felt I ran into time after time again was that it just seemed to professional for what a mother would want to point out. I feel that keeping it simple was definitely the way to go. Also, I chose to replace my lesson plan with the PowerPoint Presentation; I just felt the lesson plan wasn't allowing me to tie all of the material together as well. In additon, I created three more journal entries in the voice of a child with AS; I felt this allowed the journal section to be more thorough and informative. Of course, I also spent this week adding new ideas in my reflection section and putting some last minute finishing touches and on my project as a whole.

So what can I say about CD 315? This class has given me and shown me so much. For example, even thought I know that there is still so much I have left to learn, this class has allowed me to become more confident with myself and computer skills. Also, I feel that my fellow classmates and teacher have developed a more intimate relationship with one another. I am the type of person who does not like to ask questions; I know this is bad to say, but I just sit in my seat hoping that the people in my class will have the same questions, so I can get answers. However, this class, being an internet class, doesn't allow one to do that as easily. Of course, we have yahoo groups, but for me, when I am not in face to face contact, I need to address my questions in my own manner, so I can receive the exact answer I hope for. Hopefully, the self confidence this class has allowed me to gain will encourage me in the classes to come that it is okay to ask questions; everyone has them. Another very important thing I learned is the importance of creating a topic through Word or some other program; never do it from the weblog. I could have saved so much time, earlier in my endeavors if I would have followed this advice:)

In a way, I have expressed how I dread to see the summer come to an end. However, this class has made me a little eager to begin the fall semester. I know that it is going to be hard, consisting of a lot of time, energy, and discipline, but I am also sure that it will be interesting. As I step into new semesters in this field and take different classes, I have realized that each one is a little better than the last, because they are more narrow rather than such a wide focus.

One last time, I want to express, this has been a great experience. Being that this is the first time this class has ever been conducted in this type of manner, I must say, being the guinea pig was a very positive experience.

This morning when I got up, the first thing I did was check the assignments for week ten. I can't believe we are going into our last week.

This week I have really been busy. I worked a lot more than usual. One day consisted of taking my client shopping; boy was that an interesting experience! On Thursday, I took my client to the library. I have been trying to teach her a few computer skills, such as how to surf the net, check mail, etc. I was really proud of the progress she had made since last time when I looked over and noticed that she had accessed her e-mail account with no help from me whatsoever; this was a huge accomplishment!

Also, this week, I did my regular visit to the nursing home. One of the Alzheimer patient's, June, character is very standoffish. There is just something about her; every time I visit, I always spend a little extra time talking with her and try hard to build a positive relationship between us. Last week, when I was getting ready to leave, she kept standing in front of me, so I reached over and gave her a semi hug. The whole way home, I kept telling myself that I over stepped my grounds, and it was probably a wrong move to make with someone who is so off to herself and seems to enjoy her privacy. Not the case at all! When I went back this week, she greeted me with a hug and expressed how much she had missed me throughout the week and wished that I would visit more often. I was so surprised by her behavior; it felt great!

So what have I been doing for this class this week? Well, on Wednesday, I went to the library to work on my PowerPoint presentation.
As I expressed in my reflection, I am having a really difficult time trying to decide how to connect personable with informative, keeping in mind that this presentation is in the voice of a mother of a child with Asperger Syndrome. Also, this week, I have been rechecking that everything is the way I want it. Since I have been working on other assignments, I neglected to finish some of my webliography. Luckily, I noticed that it needed some work and fixed it. Also, I created my reference page. Typically, I dread doing reference pages; however, this wasn't too big of a task, because I have been keeping all of my references listed on note cards. In addition, I worked on the peer responses and my reflection.

I have a couple of questions for this week. Since I ended up taking a different approach, one that is more personable rather than from an educational focus, When I was doing my unifying theme, I noticed that the lesson plan seemed a little out of place. So, I am wondering if I should omit my lesson plan or should I still keep it and add two other days to meet the criteria? Also, I recalled that you said earlier that six genres was the minimum, so is ok that I have two PowerPoint presentations posted in the end or should I choose between the two?

I have really had an enjoyable week. I only worked three days this week, because my family was coming in. Unfortnately, my aunt, uncle, and two cousins did not get to come. However, my other uncle and his daughter, Audrey, visited. I hadn't seen them in almost a year, which is really sad considering that they only live three hours away. Audrey is a very ambitious young lady. At only 15 years of age, she has already determined that she wants to study what causes brain deterioration. She is very interested with dementa, so I was able to share some stories with her (stories I now have from classes and visiting the nursing home on Wednesdays).

Speaking of the nursing home, last Tuesday, I took my client to visit "Mary's Garden"(this is the part where Christy's dad stays through the days). There was this lady there, we all call her Mama that refused to eat. For nearly two hours, three different female workers attempted to get her to eat but was unsuccessful. My client has a lot of issues, especially behavioral issues; however, she easily coaxed Mama to eat. While at the dinner table, Mama even made my client a Macaroni & Cheese sandwich. The workers were amazed by how Mama responded to my client; when I have taken her around any of the patients, they always respond positively to her. I have always felt that my client has a special gift; this may just be it.

Now to discuss a little about the ongoing events of our class...
I feel the Moo meeting Tuesday went great. It was nice having people who are typically superior to us ask us questions and want our point of view. One lady mentioned that she teaches both middle school and college and that she wanted to use the MRP for both age groups. I thought this was a great; I liked the idea that she would assign the students one genre per each six weeks. Also, we discussed how the MRP could be used for any subject; I feel more teachers should start using this method.

I didn't get a chance to work with my powerpoint presentation any this week; however, I am still deciding whether or not I should keep the one I have or try to finish the one from the mother's prospective. Deep down, I feel that I should use the one from the mother; I am just having a really difficult time trying to present different slides, because I want it to be a certain way, a way that I haven't quite discovered yet.

As for the assignments, when I went to create the one "About the Author" I used a poem to describe who I am. I hope you don't mind that I borrowed the idea from you, but I just loved it, so creative.

I can't believe that we only have two weeks left. I really dreaded taking a summer class this close to school starting again; however, I really have enjoyed it. This has definitely been a huge learning experience.