Course+Reflection

// 1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned? // The outcomes I had envisioned for this course were far from my expectations in terms of knowledge of technology as a whole. Let me elaborate, in technology, my knowledge consists of personal experience and basic teacher instruction of the content. Since this was my third course, I wanted to be exposed to elements I heard of but never utilized. Case in point, Google docs and sites. This form of online communication is simple and yet a creative means to collaborate with colleagues. As we progressed in the course, the outcomes aligned perfectly with Lesson/Book Builder programs, technology strategies and student-centered activities. This is because as we enter another school year, these are vital components in providing awareness to all educational staff and more importantly students. Also, it must be said, in order to integrate technology we have to take a mental and physical inventory of where we are and where we want to be and begin to adopt and adapt. // 2. 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 outcomes I have achieved are very relevant to my work because I have been fortunate to be given the ability to implement an innovative course. But like with everything, there are a few setbacks due to a lack of support from administration and no set infrastructure. As I mentioned before hand, to take a physical and mental inventory, you need to know where your are and where you want to be. Having a supportive infrastructure helps in creating this technology environment. Without it, there is no ground work to establish because there are no means. For example, my BIMM course is a great way to teach student skills and allows them the abiliy to be creative and “think outside of the box” but the problems that set in is that we have limited access and cannot utilize software to its full potential. So I ask, how can we integrate technology when it is not fully functional? // 3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? // At this point I don’t believe there were any outcomes I did not achieve. In this course, I was not only exposed to strategies, activities and Web 2.0 tools for technology but I was also given a broader perspective of what it should be in the 21st Century. There is a point I would make in the progress of this course, which is that I would have loved to delve more into the practice of Web 2.0 tools. I would also mention that I have been able to grasp the concepts that have been developed for the success of students in technology education. My understanding would clearly be an achievement in which I can begin to implement in the classroom and also facilitate in a technology leadership role. Hence, no prevention of achieving the outcomes was or will be affected unless I fail to address educational technology in all areas. // 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? // Each assignment was challenging but I believe I was successful in carrying them out. The fact of the matter is that the course assignments delved into the key areas covered week after week. I did find that the video and reading articles provided very helpful and enlightening information. Each of them gave vital information and great examples of the topic at hand. There was at one point in week three that almost discouraged me. The assignments were both time consuming and somewhat questionable. If it were not for the group collaboration, I don’t think we would have accomplished the week’s assignment. The problem began with setting up an account for Lesson Builder. The overview for the week stated that the same user name and password could be used for Book Builder. This was not the case and prolonged the completion of the assignment. Along with having to finalize our group project, it truly was overwhelming.

//5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?//

I have learned that this course will enable me as a facilitator in helping reinforce technology throughout the educational system. To have a shared vision, enables those involved to succeed in preparing all teachers and especially students in the classroom A strong structure is needed to implement 21st Century Technology. I believe that I have the ability and knowledge to implement an educational technology plan that can help put focus back on Web 2.0 tools, technology strategies, student-centered learning activities (cooperative learning), professional development and future technology. I asked a questions before hand, “How can we integrate technology when it is not fully functional?” Well, let’s begin by taking inventory and knowing where we are, is a starting point. Then, organize and develop an infrastructure that will allow me as a leader to incorporate and collaborate with those involved in educating our students and position us where we want to be.