Course Reflections – Technology, Week 5

1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course?

Reading through the Course Content Outline, I was eager to learn more about current technology and how to incorporate the technology into the classroom. I am able to use all kinds of computer programs, and create presentations, but I recognize that I am lacking in current technology such as: using laptops, blogging, RSS, podcasting, Wikis, etc. My daughter told me the other day she is going to teach me to text because it is so much easier than calling, but I have resisted her efforts to learn. I am eager to learn how to increase technology in the classroom, but hesitant to try things for myself. As a principal or educational leader, I must continue pushing myself to learn about technology as it relates to my students and their education in the 21st Century.

2. To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?

I was exposed to many new technologies through this course. There were some things I had never heard of such as the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology. I was unsure what the STaR Chart was used for, since results have never been reported back to the campus. I have even been a participant in our Technology Committee, but did not truly understand what other teachers were requesting. I am even more amazed that teachers do not use the technology that’s currently available – email is a stretch for some! I constantly push myself to do better and be better – learning about new technology will help me meet that objective. As our world changes, schools must keep pace with what’s happening. We should be on the cutting-edge, not trailing behind.


3. What outcomes did you achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?

It was interesting to me to take the self-assessment tools. I think a very wise person once said, “the more I know, the more I know how much I don’t know.” That is true when it comes to keeping up with technology. I am definitely not the kind of person to run and buy the latest gadget. My cell phones are over 2 years old, and I just recently bought a DVD player! Through this course, though, I was able to start blogging. I am still not very comfortable using this, but I have been exposed to its potential. I can see how it will be beneficial for a project I’m currently working on to increase parent/ community involvement.



4. Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?

I was successful in carrying the numerous course assignments. However, this was a challenging course in many ways:
• During the first week, the explanations of expectations changed many times
• There were MANY readings, and many discussions to answer
• The timing of a course this extensive could not have been worse. November and December is an extremely busy time for teachers – since grades are due, more students are attending tutoring, etc. There are also the many family obligations that happen during this time frame.
• There were changes each week for the groups we were assigned – one week we were in small groups, the next week we weren’t. It was anyone’s guess what would happen.

Expectations should be very clear from the beginning of the course and not have to be reworked each day. The other expectation that we check our Lamar emails DAILY is not reasonable. I plan ahead and want to get assignments done early – this was impossible given the course set up. I liked the Web Conferences, but why wasn’t this part of the expectation and mentioned prior to the course? Again, it is not reasonable to add an expectation like this at the last minute. I would prefer to actually focus on the content of the course and not have to worry about the structure of each week.

5. What did you learn from this course...about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?

I did learn about some new technology and used tools that I was previously unaware of. This will help me to understand what other teachers and students are discussing, and help me feel more comfortable recommending these tools to others in the Department, and the school. I at least have a working knowledge of these so I can build on my skills. This will be useful when I help other teachers and set expectations for their learning. My attitude is that I will persevere and get the job done. I do not quit and will do whatever it takes to achieve my goals (as cliché as that sounds!).

6. What is the educational value of blogs and blogging to the 21st century learner?

Given my very limited experience with blogging, I am still trying to wrap my head around how beneficial blogging can be to the learning experience. I do see value in students creating work and having others see that work. Of course, there must be guidance and someone reading the works prior to publishing. The learners who need this technology the most are our at-risk, and the kids who do not have internet available at home. The schools can help in eliminating the “digital divide” for students who do not have access. I think it is worth trying, and observing other schools and how they use the technology. Much can be learned by studying the information that’s out there!



7. What are the concerns of blogs and blogging in education?

The concern of blogging in education is the concern that we all have regarding minor children and having them be so transparent to the world. It is important for schools to teach students how to eliminate potential risks, and use the tools responsibly for themselves, their fellow students and families. The technology departments must help teachers become comfortable using the technology and then teaching it to students. As the articles mentioned, society is not moving backward – it is going forward, with or without the schools. One article mentioned that teachers must feel comfortable with NOT knowing. Our students can take leadership roles in the use of innovative technological advances that our teachers are not familiar with.


8. How can you use blogging to communicate with school stakeholders?

Again, I am trying to fully understand how Blogging can be used to in my everyday life, in instructional methods, and in communicating with school stakeholders. After experiencing Blogging, I am now re-thinking ways to incorporate this into a grant that was written from the Dept of Defense. One component is to increase parent/ community involvement. My challenge to myself is to find a way to actually use blogging in this project. There are others more talented than myself, and I will search them out, ask questions, and through their help and collaboration, arrive at a solution that we can try. If it doesn’t work, we’ll just try something else!