Capstone+Essay+Beatrice+Caulson

Capstone Essay: Beatrice CaulsonIHM Queen of Peace Parish 10900 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 352-332-6279 bcaulson@yahoo.com

Elizabeth Barrett Browning said the following in one of her poems: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways?" I would like to paraphrase that quote by saying: What have I learned? Let me count the ways. When I was introduced to the fact that a course was being given entitled: "Summer Institute forTechnology in Ministry", I jumped on the registration to be sure I would be accepted into this program. The program was co-presented by Sr Caroline Ceverny,SSJ-TOSF and Claudia McIvor. I was somewhat intimidated but knew I needed to take a course that would force me to take the time to work on the new technologies. I had purchased a book on 2.0 Technologies but read little of it. This course would require that I worked on these technologies and programs. My anticipation was not outdone by the course. I have learned much more than I thought I would. I also wanted to take the course because I knew that I would not meet the needs of the people of God in this century, if I did not try to meet them through methods with which they were familiar. So off I went to school.

What a road it has been! As I reflect on the course, I am aware of the fact that I have been awakened to the use of social and Storytelling programs. I was stretched beyond my imagining. I realized through some of the YouTube Videos used for our classes that I did not have to be an expert all at one time. I could learn and try to master the skills that I needed for my ministry first, and then proceed to use other technologies. I have learned that there is no dearth of material and no end to the creative ways to utilize them. I am limited by my own creativity. However, that does not need to be a limitation as I can use the social networks to obtain suggestions from many others. I am no longer afraid to utilize the programs; it seems that they will not be destroyed. If I do something that appearsto put a kink in the system, I am able to contact others to help me.

I have been helped during the process by the sharing of my class members and their creative ideas. Our instructors, Sr. Caroline and Claudia have been so helpful and encouraging during all the steps of this class. I am most grateful for their help along the way.

I have made a list of tasks I wish to do in the near future. I will be happy to say that I have one of those tasks completed. My capstone project helped put it all together for me. The teaching of Catechists by means of GoToMeeting has been a wonderful experience, not without learning curves on my part and the part of the Catechists. I look forward to future programs.