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.