Course-Embedded+Reflection+for+EDLD+5306

** EDLD 5306 Course-Embedded Reflections **
I envisioned the Concepts of Educational Technology to be a course in technology theory and not necessarily a hands-on class. My perception was that we would cover the history and evolution of technology plus the impact on the 21st century learner. I felt that the content presented in this course was valuable and more applicable to my career. For example, I have a more in-depth knowledgeable and understanding of the Texas Long Range Plan in technology and the StaR Chart! I realize the importance of data to make informed decisions about technology. I also feel that my technology skills were enhanced by this course through the use of wikis and blogs. Through my readings, I have gained knowledge of other websites available for learning. I would like to add that it was fun learning about the wikis and the different ways it can be utilized. My cohort was excited to use the wiki in helping me with my assignments and she wants to use it in her classroom. She has asked me to assist her in creating a lesson for her class.

The outcomes I have now achieved are very pertinent and valuable to my work. I can now comprehend the complexity and components of our superintendent’s strategic planning. I can now share in that “vision” and experience some of the challenges she has faced in bringing our district into the twenty-first century. I also appreciate our Technology Director and the initiative he has taken to provide each campus with a Technology Leader. More importantly, I see the role of the Texas Long Range Plan, the STaR Chart, PEIMS, etc. and its impact on us. It provides financial means and promotes professional development to our district and our campus. I feel strongly about carrying that “vision” to our campus teachers and administration. Yet, the greatest outcome for me is that I have found myself taking more of a leadership role in my school in the technology area. In summary, I feel confident that I can be an effective leader and share in the vision for our state and our school district.

At the time of my reflection, I felt our campus was doing a good job implementing technology until I read, “Strategies to Put Instruction Ahead of Technology” (Eric Jones, 2007), “…many teachers were using PowerPoint presentations to deliver instruction while students took notes on their computers. Although that is fine use of technology, the goal is to have teachers move to the next level where they create new learning environments and promote higher order applications of technology.” I really thought I was doing a decent job finding pertinent power point presentation to drive the point/concept in my classroom when I should have had the students providing the information through research to develop their own pertinent powerpoints! In the rush to be in compliance to the Texas Long Range Plan, our teachers were taught, in isolation, a new technology skill every “Tech Tuesday”. My Academic Coach asked why with all the technology training our teachers are still not implementing technology into the curriculum. Williamson and Redish (2009) best explain it that skills are important but are best learn when, “related to teaching and learning”(p. 23). In fact in Mary Burns’ survey of teachers, “…when asked to survey … individual software application skills, 60% …reported “no” or “low” levels of proficiency with the applications in question.” This course has clearly defined my role as a teacher and grade-level technology leader. I realize in order to promote success for our 21st century learner; I must mentor and be a role model to my students and cohorts. With my new found confidence and skills, I can better support our campus technology leader and administration in promoting technology throughout the curriculum.