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!

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National Educaitonal Technology Plan

In the National Education Plan addresses the current state of education and the goals to change through technology. The prevalent goals are transforming American education to include engaging, meaningful lessons to close the achievement gap so more students are graduating from High school prepared for a future of college and work.

To reach these goals education will have to reflect that of the average American youth. 24/7 access to learning, not just the traditional 5 day week -10 month school year. Education needs to match what today’s learner is doing the second they are out of the classroom, and sometimes covertly in the classroom: TECHNOLOGY.

Educators need to embrace technology and give access for all learners to become lifelong learners. To do this professional development and understanding we are not the only experts is the key.  This way individual educational goals can be met not only by the teacher, but by other students in the classroom, experts in particular fields of study, others from around the world. 21^st Century learners are no longer locked into what their locale has to offer.

Quality educators need to be recruited and retained. Those educators need to embrace the technology connection as our students have and partner with others. By doing so, educators will improve their teaching dramatically bringing them into the category of co-learners with their peers and even their students. No longer will teaching be a solitary event but one in which educators become part of a team of online, plugged in lifelong learners.

The only concern about the National Educational Technology Plan is, as always, money.  Finding the funds to radically transform the way America teaches its youth will be daunting at best. Federal mandates only put pressure on the state which has a way of trickling down to local government.  This pass the buck bill will only cause further harm to the education system, and delay in implementation of the National Educational Technology Plan.

District Technology Plan

The first thing that came to mind as I read through the Belton ISD technology plan is that it ends this year. Next –wonder if there is a new committee and if so can I get on it.  I mean how amazing would it be to practice what I am learning as I learn it? 

I digress –our district plan covers three years 2008-20011 a three year span.  This brings to mind several issues. Our district has undergone many changes in that short time frame. One: superintendent change. Two: new schools added to the district. These schools are not only new but are built around technology and one to one access. Three: incredible student enrollment –numbers are way up. These are just a few things jumping around in my head. The next question was did the former committee really foresee all this happening and plan for it –or did some of these wonderful events take place as a result of serendipity?

The plan does address the results of the LoTi survey and STaR chart to tackle the needs identified.  The plan likewise broaches the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications, noting that additional technology hardware, software, and infrastructure have become evident (Belton ISD Technology Planning Advisory Committee, 2008). Additional needs were also discussed, everything from networks to instructional.

Once all the needs of the coming three years were identified, Belton ISD Technology planning committee put into place a series of goals – long range planning/budgeting, reach TEA Exemplary status, attract and retain high-performing faculty and staff, provide safe and secure schools, and promote partnership all stakeholders.    These goals were monitored by the committee through by integrating the technology plan into the District Improvement Plan whose progress is monitored monthly (Belton ISD Tech PAC, 2008). The plan addressed all areas providing for professional development –moving toward an online training system, which was attained at the end of the school year 2010-2011.  The people responsible for the goals were everyone from the Director of Technology to the Public Affairs Director.  An overall budget of $1,484,000.00 was created to meet the plan goals.

In answer to my own question earlier in this post, it appears that yes, my district did plan for all the possibilities the three year plan would encompass. I still do believe in a little bit of serendipity –I really do not think that a New Tech High was in the realm of possibles when the committee met.  This I believe came later. However, since the Tech PAC was in grated into the district improvement plan, they were able to react and act quickly to bring about this wonderful opportunity for  the students of Belton.

 Belton ISD Technology Planning Advisory Committee, Technology Plan. (2008) Retrieved from http://www.bisd.net/cms/lib/TX01001322/Centricity/Domain/49/Planning_and_Policies/TechPlan08-11.pdf

Technology Assessment? Yes!

Technology assessment for one and all is vital to the progress of individual schools and school districts.  Without assessing where individual educators and students knowledge and skills are within the technology framework, it would be difficult to plan for the future of all stakeholders involved. 

Using the Texas StaR chart, for example, helps districts in defining and indicating the areas of most need per individual school.  The district can then plan for more and appropriate professional development if this is the area of need.  Teaching educators to use technology to incorporate into their subject area, and creating more student center learning opportunities will move the school and district to help the 21^st Century learner. Perhaps the district could even create some professional development opportunities for the 21st Century learner making their education more relevant and engaging.

Technology assessment also has a place in helping educators make purchasing decisions on everything from infrastructure right down to which software and how many licenses to buy.

The downside I can see to the STaR chart is that is relies much on the input of teachers and administrators.   Technology can be good in a school – then comes time for the  STaR chart assessment. I have heard of teachers downgrading the true role technology plays in their daily classroom lives.  To what avail – I could not truly say, other that disgruntled people having a bad experiences equaling a not so stellar assessment.  How to improve upon this to keep it from happening? Your guess is as good as mine.  As a matter of fact, if anyone reading this has any ideas, please feel free to comment!