TF/TL Facilitator Standard I: Technology Operations and Concepts Reflection

TF/TL Facilitator Standard I:

Technology Operations and Concepts Reflection

            Looking back on all of the technology standards under ISTE, standard one seemed to be the most basic.  I believe most teachers today have a basic understanding of many of the competencies under this standard.  Most of the concepts are found in our daily activities, such as finding files, starting up/shutting down a computer, using email, identifying a mouse, using cell phones, etc…  “The Web, email, and basic computing are often a part of educators’ daily and professional lives, and as younger teachers enter the workforce, it is increasingly likely that they will not remember a tine when they did not have access to the internet.” (Williamson & Redish, 2009).  Most of the content under this standard wasn’t new information.  During my teaching career, I have come to realize the importance of technology and the different ways it can be utilized to reach our students.  I also realize the importance for teachers to continue to grow professionally when using technology because it is always changing.  “Also like their students, educators need learning environments accommodating their individual learning styles, abilities, skills, and interest.” (Williamson & Redish, 2009)  There have been many instances where I provided co-workers with different resources to help their students become more engaged.  Usually we would meet in an informal setting during our common planning period and I would walk them through the whole process.  In the years prior to this program, I would’ve never held a meeting to discuss any type of technology application but because of the opportunities I had to actively engage myself in the application, I was comfortable enough to help others.

            To keep myself abreast of the new changes in technology, I attended conferences in Houston.  The format of the conference allowed you to choose the sessions you wanted to attend.  All of the sessions I went to revolved around implementing technology in the classroom.  “Teachers who received technology integration training were much more prepared to integrate technology in their classroom.  More importantly, teachers who received both skill-based and integration training felt significantly more prepared to use technology in their teaching than those who received training of just one type.” (Mouza, 2002/2003)  As a result of my attendance, I was able to add a whole new variety of technology tools that our department began to use.  The workshop was very beneficial for me because it involved active engagement.  I learn best by being engaged kinesthetically.  The way I presented the materials to my colleagues was done the same way.    I also had notes to accompany the meeting, just in case any of the teachers needed to have the directions in an outline format.  I believe that meeting helped our department become more aware of how technology can aid our students and help us professionally.

            As I look to make the transition from facilitator to leader, it will be important to keep in mind the different learning styles when sharing information.  Even though I learn best by doing, I need to be prepared to present information in different formats to accommodate my co-workers.  In turn, they will see how they can present the information to their students.  Based on the feedback I have received from some co-workers, there has been interest in creating a blog for our department.  Some of us have experience using a blog, so we want to give others the opportunity to see how it works and how it can be beneficial.  While in this class, I have maintained a blog but I plan on attending a regional workshop that covers different web 2.0 tools like blogs and wikis.  As a life-long learner, one of my goals is to become more skilled in the aspects of networking and infrastructure.  Many times I have had to turn to our campus tech to help with wireless connectivity issues in my classroom.  I’d rather do this on my own and help others who have the same issues.

References

Mouza, C. (2002,2003). Learning to teach with new technology: Implications for professional development. Journal for Research on Technology in Education, 35(2), 272-89

Willamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). Iste’s technology facilitation and leadership standards, what every k-12 leader should know and be able to do. (p19). Eugene, OR: Intl Society for Technology in education

Willamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). Iste’s technology facilitation and leadership standards, what every k-12 leader should know and be able to do. (p22). Eugene, OR: Intl Society for Technology in education