Course Reflections

• What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes?

Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?
After taking the Pre-Course Evaluation, I realized I had a lot to learn about technology as far as the extent to which it can be used in the classroom, and all the regulations that surround this rapidly growing and ever changing revolution. For instance, the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology was a familiar name, but at that point I had never taken the time to examine and understand the plan, and how it impacted me as a teacher. The outcomes I envisioned for this course consisted of understanding all aspects of technology implementation and the effects it has on student learning, and gaining enthusiasm for technology use within the classroom and envisioning ways in which I can utilize technology in my daily classroom activities. I feel as if the outcomes I envisioned were achieved by having greater understanding for the technology implementation process and the Long-Range Plan set in place by the state. I am more aware of what is expected of me as a teacher and a principal as far as implementing technology into my classroom and my role in making all stakeholders attentive to cyber ethics. The actual course outcomes did, indeed, align with the outcomes I envisioned and then some. I have gained a wealth of knowledge in the area of technology, and feel as if I can be a technology leader on my campus.

• 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?

The achieved outcomes are still relevant to the work I do in my school as I am more attentive of the need to incorporate technology into my lessons on a daily basis, and the effects that technology has on the students’ ability to learn and master objectives. I can take the outcomes achieved in the previous weeks, such as blogging, analyzing the Technology Application TEKS, Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, and STaR Chart, and directly apply them to my classroom, changing the structure of the current curriculum to meet the needs of our 21st Century learners. The analysis of these components will be utilized to help guide my lesson planning as I incorporate various technology application skills .

• What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?

Although this course has given me many ideas and suggestions on how to incorporate more technology into my classroom, they are still just ideas. At this point, I have been unable to turn these ideas into reality. With time, I know that these ideas will take flight and become an every day part of the classroom, however an implementation process such as this will have to phase in over time. At present, time constraints and the ending of a semester has prevented me from achieving this outcome. In addition, I was unable to contribute to web conferences to the highest extent due to the lack of equipment. I was able to watch the conference take place and post comments, however, I was not an active participant, but rather a curious on-looker.

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

The assignments in this course were carried out with success and ease. The assignments were rigorous, but relevant which made them more exciting and appealing to participate. The directions for creating a blog were clear and easy to follow, as well as the directions for posting a power point presentation. I feel that the assignments were pertinent to the classroom setting and the knowledge gained from this course can be directly implemented into the classroom. I enjoyed not only reading about technology, but also being able to produce creations, such as the blog, which appeals to me as a kinesthetic learner. The creation and practice of using the blog also gave me the confidence to utilize it within the classroom to post discussion questions for students.

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

From this course I learned that I have an enthusiasm for technology and all it has to offer as far as reinventing the way I teach. I feel as though being open minded about technology and its uses has made me a risk-taker when it comes to technology and I am willing to try any form of new technology that is relevant to my students learning the objectives. Since the start of this course, I have gained a more in-depth knowledge about the current technology I use in my classroom as well as other technologies used throughout the school. We are fortunate to have a community that helps to provide funding for such elaborate and well-equiped classrooms with the latest technologies. In the way of leadership skills, I have learned what it takes to be a leader of 21st Century learners and educators as I lead the way in the technology revolution. I feel my positive attitude toward technology is reflected in the way I teach and I can start to see the influence this attitude has on students and teachers.

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

What an innovative way to do homework! Blogs have tremendous educational value due to their engaging nature and the pathway they create for open communication. The possiblities for blog use in the educational world are endless. Blogs can be used not only with your students, but to communicate with parents, community members, and the rest of the world. To the 21st Century learner, blogs are only a stepping stone to the kind of technology they will be using in the future. They gain technology, communication, and writing skills when blogging, as well as learn to work collaboratively with one another. Blogs create a forum for students to open a line of communication and interact globally with students from other countries. Blogging creates a learning environment that brings to life what was once only words in a book. History has the potential to become reality by blogging with students across the globe to learn about the history and traditions of their countries. This example is only the beginning of the educational value of blogging. In addition, blogging is cost effective and can save money, which in turn could be used to purchase more technology. I thoroughly enjoyed creating a blog in this course and will continue using it to benefit my students.

• What are the concerns of blogs and blogging in education?

Educational blogging does pose a few concerns. The main concern is the availability of technology and equity for all students. There are a number of students that do not have internet access or computers at home, making blogging outside of school impossible and delaying their advancement in technology skills. In addition, there are a number of schools that do not have adequate technology funding, leaving the student to computer ratio deficient. Another concern is the ability to monitor the content being posted on the blog. There are filters in place that allow the blog operator to view comments before they are posted on the blog, however that does not always stop people from finding a way to post unwanted comments.

• How can you use blogging to communicate with school stakeholders?

Blogging with school stakeholders can be a vital component to open communication. Blogs can be used to communicate from classroom teacher to parents about class activities, homework, and projects taking place from week to week, as well as updating them on the topics covered in class so they will have something to discuss with their children to stay an active part of their educational lives. Blogs can be utilized between administrators and staff to keep everyone up-to-date on the news and activities taking place on campus. Along those lines, sign-up lists can also be posted on blogs as well. Administrators can use blogs to communicate with parents and community members about school news and policies, school activities, and bad weather closings.