EDLD 5306 Course Refleections

As I began the Master’s in Educational Technology Leadership program, I kept asking myself, and others, if I was crazy! I am often stretch too thin as it is, without taking on another long rigorous task such as this. My father has cancer and I am occasionally called on to assist my mother is some way or another. His cancer is incurable, but can go in and out remission. I do not tell this to make anyone feel sorry for me. It’s just that life is hard sometimes for all of us, regardless of the situation.

I wondered often if I was doing the right thing in getting my Master’s now. I have talked about this for a long time now, just the timing never seemed right. My husband quickly let me know that the time would not ever be right; I just had to go for it. I chose Lamar, so I could help my mom as much as possible without being tied to a brick and mortar classroom and all that entails. Now I can take my classroom with me, wherever I go- believe me you all have been a few places!

As for the outcomes of the course I honestly don’t know what I expected. I went into this blind hoping for the best. I wanted to become surer of myself that- I think I did attain, to a certain extent. Learning more about technology and bringing it into the classroom was also important to me. I want to make learning more relevant to my students, reaching them where they are, and taking them farther – willingly- not dragging them there as it so often feels now.

I have achieved parts of these goals as I have started putting into place the availability of computer use in my classroom, so we don’t have to go to the lab. I am looking forward to beginning a class wiki and blogging with my students. We have made Wordles before, but bringing a few computers into the classroom, will really help to do it more often as a pre and post reading strategy. With the computers right there I will also be able to teach the students more about ethical behavior and internet safety, something teens often take for granted. When I share what I am learning about with my students they become excited and they too can’t wait.

I have been searching for a way to make learning more relevant to my students and authentically engage them more often, get them where they want to learn – enjoy it. How can I encourage a love of lifelong learning if the students absolutely despise what we are reading or are learning about? I don’t propose to have all the answers, far from it, but I think it is a matter of giving them a chance to own their education, be an active part in it. To do this I need to learn to become less of an overseer of education and more of a co learner or partner if you will. I am still not exactly sure how all of this will come about but I do believe I am on the right track. I have yet much to learn about integrating technology into my classroom, and to some extent it may take a little while before it becomes fully integrated. Lack of funds, bandwidth, computers etcetera, do make for an obstacle, but with my future classes and the districts help my students will become excited learners again. Using technology and learning to speak the language of the digital native will help me to reach them and perhaps together, my students and I, can find the answers together.

Becoming a student again has reminded me of what I truly am asking of my own students. They often complain about the time crunch of assignments due-now can I sympathize with them! Trying to complete these assignments in one week’s time has been extremely difficult for me. I have had many essays and projects to grade, run a family, homework that keeps me up quite late.
Part of the issue with the assignments was not only time, but a little trial and error. I didn’t always understand the process of going to website and setting up a blog or something else. I had to work it through a few times, but that is alright that is how I learn best! Not giving up on me, plugging away at the assignments and the help of the professors and support staff all made this first class in my journey worth it! It has reminded me that I am made of tougher stuff than I knew –I had begun to forget that. I found my voice again-me again. I am more willing to stand up and lead, speak my mind in a positive way instead of letting someone else take care of it. So the outcome of this first class for me was much more than technology, it reminded me of who I really am, and who I can still learn to be.

Web Conference week 2, November 29, 2011

Although I knew this would be a repeat of the last conference, I wanted to practice the process, and wanted to check on a few assignment questions for week three.

It seemed much more information was discussed this time. Perhaps more of us are becoming comfortable with the technology. Learning more about the internship/field based experiences put me a little more at ease.

Still overwhelmed at times, and I haven't quite figured out a workable consistent schedule, but it will come.

Web Conference week 2 11/17/11

For this second conference, I felt more relaxed and prepared. I was able to "raise my hand" and asked questions during the discussion. Being able to interact with my peers and instructor live is helpful. I guess I am now like my students - looking for immediate feedback.

The outline of the program was discussed. To my surprise, once finished we can all take not only the Technology test, but also the Principal certification test. I never dreamed of becoming a Principal, but one never knows when it might come in handy.

Over the course of the conference, questions about the assignment were answered, along with some practice with muting the mikes. Once again introductions were made for those who weren't with us the first night. All in all it was a good conference.

Web Conference week 1

My first ever web conference! Wow was I nervous at first. I began setting up far earlier than necessary. I wanted to be sure everything worked. To my chagrin, it didn't - the camera would not come on. So quickly we, my husband and I, implemented the back -up plan of his laptop. Fortunately, all went well with the laptop.
Introductions went round the group, and it was nice to put some faces to names. We discussed the program, EPIC, Tk20, and upcoming assignments. Overwhelming was the order of the night -post conference!
Worry and wonder are my middle names already- figuring out the scheduling to make this happen has only increased my worry! I am ready for the adventure hope all my cohorts are too!