Course Reflections

EDLD 5306, Concepts of Educational Technology, was so much more that what I ever had envisioned. When I first started this course, I honestly did not know what to expect. I had envisioned that I would spend a couple of hours a night working on assignments that taught about the introduction to educational technology. I had no idea that I would be spending much more than two hours a night and learning so much more than a basic introduction. I had envisioned that I would be able to take what I was going to learn back into the classroom and to the school to assist the teachers. The idea of creating a website and a blog during the first course never crossed my mind. And then finding out that at the end of the program, I would be able to take the Principal certification was just icing on the cake.

Now, I cannot wait for school to start so that I can show the teachers and students all the new ideas I have for them. I have already been up to the school to share some of the ideas with my principal and my district’s technology director. I have skills and knowledge to take back to the classroom that will make me a better technology teacher and department head. I will be leading mini technology workshops through out the year to keep our faculty abreast on new technology and to review the technology that they are already using. Students will see a brand new teacher in the classroom. I have ideas that will engage them in their learning. Without a doubt, teachers and students will know that I had some type of training this summer.

All my outcomes for this course were achieved. Learning new ideas and techniques were the reason I began this course. To become a better teacher and leader within my district was what I am aiming for. I found the first steps to achieving that goal in this course. I know what to look for when it comes to some of the legalities of using technology. I always knew they existed; I just did not know how in depth the subject was. If I have to pinpoint one area that I did not achieve a desired outcome, it would be that I my final product on some of my projects did not look the way I would have wanted them to. This was impart to the fact that I am a “perfectionist” and always find something that can be improved in my work.

Although I was able to carry out the course assignments successfully, I found they were challenging and rewarding in the end. They kept me thinking and challenged my writing skills. I have never been what some may call a reader and/or a writer, but I am learning to be. The weekly readings and the technology/leadership book that was required during this course were the most challenging. They were very enlightening and were able to keep my attention. Then I had to write about what I read. The book I read, Why Don’t Student’s Like School by Daniel Willingham, opened my eyes to more than just students. It made me realize that I too need to improve myself in these areas. The assignments have been engaging though and I have learned more from them than anything.

This course was so much more than learning about new technology and how to use it. I learned more about myself than anything. First of all, I learned that I over analyze everything; and, that is why it takes me so long on the assignments. I have to learn not to overthink everything and just do it. I also learned that my technology and leadership skills are not as strong as they should be. I thought I knew more about technology than I really do. There is so much more out there that I need to learn. My leadership skills need to stronger and I will be able to build them as I progress through the courses. Finally, I learned that attitude is everything. With a positive attitude, I can conquer almost anything. This course was so beneficial to me in that it was an eye opener that I would have never experienced without it.

Week 5 Web Conference

I cannot believe that week 5 is already here. We had our last web conference for EDLD 5306. As usual it was very informative. Professor Borel explained in depth how we should be completing our Internship Plan and Principal Competencies Chart. She gave excellent examples and answered everyone's questions very well. I feel so much better about the plans/charts that I am working on now. As Professor Borel stated during the conference, "don't make it hard on yourself".

Web Conferences were something new to me. I had heard about them but had never participated in one before this course. I have gotten used of it now, as I did not panic when I lost connection during the middle of the session. I simply restated the session and everything was fine. Three weeks ago, I would have panicked so much that I would not have been able to recover and get back into the session.

Week 4 Web Conference

During this week's web conference, we discussed the upcoming Internship Plan that is due at the end of next week. I feel more confident now in completing the plan since I attended the conference. The web conferences are the next best thing to sitting in a classroom. I was worried about going through this course all alone, but being able to communicate face to face with the instructor and with some of my classmates is great, even if it is just once a week. I don't always have much to say, but just listening is so enlightening.

E-Rate & Orangefield ISD

National Educational Technology Plan

On March 5, 2010 the U.S. Department of Education drafted the National Educational Technology Plan. The NETP is a model for the 21^st Century learner that addresses 5 areas: learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity.

All learners will have learning experiences that are engaging and empowering by having the opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology that is student-centered.

Technology will be used to measure what matters in all content areas. The data from these assessments will be used to drive continuous improvements within the educational system. Educators will be given the tools and training to mange the assessments and analyze the data. Technology will be used to keep educators connected to data and resources that will provide for more effective teaching. Teaching will become a team activity with professional development becoming collaborative. A comprehensive infrastructure will provide the necessary resources to all students and educators when and where they need it. The educational system will be redesigned to meet the goals within an affordable budget.

The NETP states that educators will have the technology and the training needed to move into the second decade of the 21^st century. Student-centered learning will be the focus for the curricula. Teachers will work collaboratively in teams to meet the needs of their students.

This plan sounds wonderful. But, redesigning a district so that it can finance such a plan seems to be a tall order. There are so many districts struggling in Texas these days, I just do not see this redesign process being very easy.

Works Cited

(2010, March 5). Retrieved June 4, 2011, from US Deptartement of Education: http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/NETP-2010-final-report.pdf

OISD's District Technology Plan

Orangefield ISD has created a three-year technology plan to integrate technology in the district.

The district will incorporate technology as an integral part of administrative services by utilizing web-based programs. The district will enhance students’ academic achievement through the use of current and appropriate technology in the teaching and learning process. The district will develop strategies to meet performance objectives for students in the Benchmarks and TEKS. They will also explore the feasibility of expanding courses offered via Distant Learning. The district will develop Internet safety curriculum for K – 12. The district will provide staff with meaningful professional development, and opportunities to utilize technology in a student-centered learning environment. Frequent and short trainings during conference periods and after school will be provided during the school year. Training sessions will also be provided during the summer months. The district’s Curriculum Director will coordinate the district’s professional development. The district will maintain and upgrade technological capabilities and resources in the district with state-of-the-art technology.

Comprehensive needs assessment consisting of teacher surveys, departmental meetings focused on technology needs, inventories and the STaR charts were conducted to ascertain the current needs of technology for district.

The district’s technology is funded through local and vocational funds, State Technology Allotment and the Title II, Part D Technology Fund.

The district’s Technology Planning Committee meets twice a year to evaluate the progress of the plan and The STaR Chart results. The campus principals review lesson plans and PDAS. The staff development attendance sheets are reviewed to determine the participation in the technology sessions. The yearly technology inventory of hardware and software will also be review.

Works Cited

(2010). Orangefield ISD Technology Plan. Orangefield ISD, Technology.

Technology Assessments

Assessments are at the heart of evaluating educators’ technology leadership knowledge and skills as well as the knowledge and skill of student technology skill levels and their perceived needs. The results should reveal what progress is, or is not, occurring thus helping the school/district improve on its performance.

We have to have a means to show our accountability. As technology leaders, we are accountable to the school/district for staying abreast on the newest technology and methods to present new ideas to our school/district.  With an assessment we are able monitor this accountability.

We have to know how and when to improve our services and programs. An assessment can reveal that we need to seek additional training in order to provide the needed services and programs that our school/district has to offer.

Finally, we have to identify ways to improve learning and curricula. Knowing where our students are technologically will let us know where we need to go next. There is no need to be redundant when students have already mastered a competency.

Assessments must be carefully thought out and planned. The school/district’s vision and mission must be the focus of any assessment that is related to the school/district.

However, we cannot and must not rely solely on the assessment results. We must use our professional judgment in addition to the assessment results to make informed decisions that concern our students. Relying solely on the results of assessments can be detrimental. We cannot play the numbers game when it comes to the future of our students.

Assessments are too valuable to ignore their results.

My First Web Conference

Wow, what a roller coaster ride. I was so nervous about the first Web Conference. Scheduling conflicts prevented me from attending the first session on Tuesday.  Wednesday was unsuccessful due to an error message. I knew my last chance was on Thursday and everything had to go right. It was such a relief to be able to connect to a meeting, then to see faces and hear voices. At first, my camera did not work; but, we got that fixed right away.  The audio was a bit sketchy at times so watching the recorded versions is a must. I really enjoyed the meeting. It was nice to put a face with some of the names that I have seen over the past week and a half. I learned a lot more than I expected to learn. It was a great learning experience. I am ready to do it again next week!