EDLD 5306 Course Reflection

EDLD 5306 Fundamentals of Educational Technology

Course Reflection

            As I reflect back and think about my expectations for this class, I'm excited by what the future holds for me.  I wanted to gain knowledge and skills that I could share with my students and co-workers.  Each week I learned something new that I have attempted to utilize.  I've discussed blogs with co-workers and how they can be used in my classroom.  Employing writing skills using blogs is important, “students must master a range of practical and technical skills involved in expressing ideas effectively and compelling.” (Armstrong & Warlick, 2004)  I've introduced my students to Wordles and educational social networking sites that we will be using in class.  “Taking a differentiated approach to instruction means accommodating these differences by tailoring teaching to students’ strengths and knowledge.” (Duffield & Wahl, 2005)

The one aspect of the class that has been a challenge for me is the discussion board.   I would like to become more involved but I'm not a very social person initially.  I think as time passes and relationships become more established it will become easier.

It was difficult completing assignments during the first couple of weeks.  I had to really examine my time management strategies.  Regardless of my personal activities, all assignments were completed and turned in on time.  Honestly, I still haven't figured out a perfect schedule to fit my lifestyle.

Besides technology, I believe the most important thing I've learned about myself is discipline.  It has been many years since I've taken a college course, especially one that is relevant to my profession and interesting.  I'm eager to become an advocate for technology on my campus and share my new skills with co-workers.  “Facilitators must apply, implement, assist, promote, and contribute, but leaders also design, disseminate, evaluate, and develop.” (Williamson & Redish, 2007)  At this point, I consider myself a novice when dealing with technology, but this is just the beginning!

References

Armstrong, S., Warlick, D. (2004). The new literacy: The 3rs evolve into the 4es. Technology & Learning, 25(2), 20-28.

Duffield, J & Wahl, L., (2005). Using flexible technology to meet the needs of diverse learners: what teachers can do. Knowledge Brief, 2

Williamson, J, & Redish, T. (2007). Building technology facilitators and leaders: A standard-based approach, Learning & Leading with Technology, 35(1), 22-26

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School and Libraries Program

School and Libraries Program

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National Educational Technology Plan Reflection

The goals of the NETP are divided into (5) categories.  The goals in learning focus on all learners experiencing an engaging and empowering learning experience in and outside of the school.  The student needs to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in a global society.  To meet this goal the committee will continue to adapt the standards to meet 21st Century skills, develop and adopt learning resources that can be easily accessible by all learners, stay updated on new types of technology in the learning sciences, and develop and adopt resources that embody design principles.
The goals of teaching will be that professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to various resources and learning experiences that enable and inspire more effective teachings.  To meet the goals the designing, developing, and adopting of technology based content, resources, and on-line communities will result in effective instruction, attracting new teachers, and encourage educators to keep teaching.  Also develop teachers who are skilled in on-line instruction.  The goal will also provide in-service powered by technology that closes the gap between teachers and students.  The knowledge gained by educators will create long personal learning networks across many organizations.  Technology use will provide effective teaching and learning resources for learners at all levels.
I agree with the summary in that education is the key to the success of America in the global economy.  I didn't realize the percentage of college graduates was so low.  At the same time, though, many high schools offer programs geared toward students who do not want to go to college.  Years ago, a high school diploma was not enough to get a good paying job.  Today, you can say that about a college undergrad degree.  Students who graduate high school with experience in a trade can become more successful than a college graduate.  The promotion of trade schools by educators could be a factor in the low percentage of college graduates.  As far as cost effective/cost saving methods are concerned, I think that more money should be given to teachers.   Nothing about education should be short changed, including the teachers.  I was checking out a store last week and I heard a young girl (about 12yrs) make a comment about a daycare worker  making more than a teacher.  The cashier heard her and said "if that so, I need to change my major".  The cashier was going to school to be a teacher.  To attract and keep the best teacher, money will have to be spent. 

District Technology Plan

The goals defined in my districts technology plan are 1) all students is the district will experience a relevant, highly engaging, technlogy fused educational experience to maximize learning and achievement for life beyond school, 2) all district employees will model continuous learning by developing, possessing, and demonstrating technology competencies appropriate for their position in order to perform their duties at optimal levels to accomplish goal (1), the district will provide a nuturing climate that facilitates the mental, physical, and emotional health and development of students within an environment free from violence and disruption, 4) the district exist to serve the community, and partnering with the community in the development of goals, policies, and setting the tone will serve the best interest of all students.  Parents and taxpayers should be viewed as our primary external customers, and 5) the district will integrate technology into fabric of what we do so that we are more efficient and effective and "innovatively" use technology to better teach our students and save money.
The district created program called FOCAL Points to meet the professional development needs of the employees.  Once hired by the district the program will prepare and ensure new teachers have the skill set to teach in the district..  The course is geared toward increased communication by teachers, access of information by teachers and students and use of technology in the classroom.  There is also a web based course that is monitored by FOCAL Points mentors on campus.  The district also partners with Region X Service Center to take part in video conferences.  The employees directly responsible for the coordination of the professional development opportunities is the Associate Superintendent for Instruction and Technology, the Instructional Technology Coordinators, and the Curriculum Directors.
The district will developed a program of technology competencies that will be met by the staff.  This will be used to maintain current technology knowledge and skills.
The district budet plan will look to refresh student hardware and software every (6) years and staff hardware and software every (4) years.

Technology Assessments

When looking at technology skills it is important to find out the knowledge and skill base of the educator.  The educator, at the least, will need to know basic computer operations.  The educator should also be proficient in utilizing the internet and its many functions.  This will allow the educator to model acceptable practices when on-line, how to conduct a good search, work in web design programs, etc...  Also, the educator needs to be familiar with Web 2.0 applications.  This will help engage students in collaboration activities such as blogging, on-line polling, media sharing, and creating wikis.  My experience in assessing for technology skills is that most teachers know the basic operations to troubleshoot problems.  We were not familiar with engaging students in relevant learning experiences using technology and we didn't get any feedback on how to engage students.
It is also important to assess students prior knowledge.  Many students are involved with technology to the extent of texting, listening, and downloading music on their phone.  I don't think many take part in blogging or creating wiki pages.  I believe the skill will be easy for them to pick up once given the opportunity.  It is also good to find out what they believe to be reliable sites to obtain information.  I have assigned research projects and received products over the same topic with completely different "factual" information, such as dates in history.  It is important to find out what students know about different digital tools and how they can be used for educational purposes.
I believe that they are many benefits to technology assessments.  It can give districts a baseline measure to begin to improve upon.  Educators and students can have input on what they think is important technology issues need to be addressed.  The assessment can allow for comparison and evaluation of past and present results.  The flipside of assessing technology can reveal the lack of using available technology resources.  Many teachers I have worked with are aware of the resources but feel the time commitment to integrate will be too great.  As a result, districts might cut money in the technology departments because they feel the funds can be better served in other departments
There are pros and cons when assessing but the goal should be to produce students who can function in the 21st Century.  With that in mind, the cons should provide a new challenge for where the district wants to go.

Web Conference 9-1-10

The web conference I attended tonight was very interesting. I’ve attended several Webinars (web seminar) and mainly the professor relayed the information to the class. I like the fact that it was interactive. I had an opportunity to see my professor and some of my classmates. Match a name to the face. Hopefully, I will become more tech savy during the next conference. Initially, I was unsure of the quality of the conference. There were some minor problems, but that didn’t last long. My instructor was very knowledgable on troubleshooting any problems.


As I look ahead to next couple of weeks, I’m excited because they’ll be a many new technology skills I will learn. Applications I’ve always wanted to try but didn’t know where or how to begin. By participating in the discussions and reading other posts, I realize that I am fortunate to be around a group of people who have a wealth of knowledge to share from different backgrounds. I know when I am finished I will become a better person and teacher.

Thanks Cohort 15