When I first realized this course would cover the topic of technology I expected to discuss and learn how to implement, use and evaluate the use of technology on a campus. I was not expecting to learn about copyright laws. However, I found the copyright topic interesting and insightful. With technology being what is it and it being so easy to copy and paste rules and laws need to be discussed with staff and students alike. I enjoyed learning what my peers are doing at their schools with technology. They are using computers, Smartboards, and even cell phones to achieve quality learning. Looking at the STaR chart was another area I feel I had learned from. I had taken the survey for the past few years and never really knew why or what the data was used for. After talking to my campus technology team I know understand what the data is used for. I feel this class was everything I expected it to be plus more.
Taking what I have learned in this course to my classroom will be done with relevance. Copyright laws that I was not aware of, ownership of teacher created lessons and documents, and creative ideas for technology in the classroom are all areas that I can use still. I will also take what I have learned with me when I become an administrator. I will need to be aware of how to read STaR chart data, understand copyright laws for workbooks and textbooks and not only know how to implement technology, but how to implement the most effective technology for my students and staff. I am also now aware of the technology TEKS and how they are to be implemented across the curriculum and throughout the grade levels.
I believe I achieved all of my desired outcomes. I do not believe that I was prevented from achieving any goal for this class. I was able to complete all task by learning to read STaR chart data, understanding copyright laws, and by learning the necessary steps to implement quality and relevant technology for a campus. I learned how to create and maintain a blog. I now see that blogs and other forms of Internet based open forums can be an asset to education. I was also able to share my experiences with technology and how it is being used on my campus and in my district.
I believe I was very successful in carrying out my course assignments. I was able to find all information needed such as my campus’s STaR chart data, the technology TEKS online, and how to create and manage a blog. I was able to read the articles assigned as well as watch the videos, post all discussion quotes and comments and complete the discussions with my peers. I would have liked for some of my peers to post their discussion quotes sooner, but they eventually did and everything was able to be completed and turned in on time. I also believe I was able to carry out successful course work because I took the extra time to talk to my principal, technology support expert, as well as technology support assistants. Without their help in answering my questions about how implementation and data driven decisions are made I would have had a tougher time and my responses may not have been as in-depth and thorough.
While doing the research and conducting interviews for this course I discovered that my knowledge of technology was not as high as I thought. I also realized that I do not incorporate technology into my lessons enough. Using a Smartboard is a great presentation tool but it is not the same as the students using a computer to do research or create their own presentations. I always said it is hard to incorporate technology into a math class when we have to emphasize on passing the TAKS test. After reading the posts from my peers on the discussion board I now see that other teachers integrate technology on a weekly basis with great success and student participation. So needless to say my attitude toward the use of technology in my classroom has changed for the better. I also now see the importance and need of technology in all subject areas. As an administrator I plan to highly encourage the use of technology as much as possible.
Educational blogging in the 21st century can be a very useful tool in the learning process when working cooperatively with peers. I believe that an educational blog has a place in high school and college classes or maybe even an upper level junior high class. I do like the idea of the students being able to add comments and to have input into a group project. With blogging the students can work on a project and exchange ideas from anywhere. They do not have to be able to meet at a central location. This is a great way to do group work without ever having to meet with members of your group. I have some concerns about an open blog for middle school aged kids. I know with good supervision it could work, I just wonder how serious kids, at that level, would take it. Being able to share ideas and add comments is a great way to learn when it can be done constructively, with an open mind and the understanding that the comments are meant to be helpful. Another concern to keep in mind is that these blogs must be kept private and monitored frequently for outside contributors and predators. Even with the blog set as private people still find ways to break in.
I currently email the parents of my students on a daily basis letting them know about class work, homework, tests, etc. I am now considering creating a blog for them to check whenever they can. Email with assignments and dates are only good until it is deleted. An ongoing blog would keep all information in one place. This would allow parents and student to use the blog as a reminder for important dates and to keep up with class work due to absences. Not only would parents be able to read about the happenings of the class, they could also post questions and comments if they felt the need. Along with parents, administrators and other interested stakeholders could follow the progress of the class. This would be a great way to keep the parents involved and the community connected.
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