I envisioned this course to be inclusive of various implementation techniques of technology tools. I saw this course as a way for me to become effective as a facilitator of the latest Web 2.0 technology tools. I was prepared for the personal applications that will enable me to effectively teach what I have learned. I really enjoyed how the activities used the technology tools to develop my understanding of the actual content of the course. I was not prepared for the assignments that required me to research, summarize, and reflect on numerous technology plans, personal leadership instruments, and current internet privacy and safety issues. I had not realized how vitally important it is to involve all stakeholders to develop effective strategies and plans to ensure a program that meets the needs of the school district. The course outcomes did not directly align with what I had envisioned, but the challenging expectations of the course definitely broadened my view of the world of the 21st Century digital natives.
I am actively implementing the technology tools that I used while completing the course assignments. As a result of this course, I have been able to implement two technology tools on my campus. I have helped create a wiki site for our 5th grade teachers to use while planning curriculum and school related activities. I have also created an instruction guide that my homeroom and enrichment students are using to create Wordles. I also have plans for my students to create podcasts and Animoto video clips. This course has given me a true appreciation for a comprehensive campus technology plan that all stakeholders understand and are willing to abide by and enforce. After researching our campus technology plan, I have realized that there is an obvious need for the plan to be updated according to the needs and goals of our district. All of these factors are evidence that the course outcomes are relevant in my school environment.
The very nature of an online course makes it challenging to digest and absorb a vast amount of information in a brief amount of time. I will need to review and devote further study to the goals of the numerous technology plans at the national, state, and district levels. I will also need to study the copyright laws and privacy and safety issues that are necessary for our children to behave ethically and responsibly while being online. To be an effective facilitator it is my responsibility to know, model, and convey the facts regarding these issues. As of today I do not feel that I am equipped to do this. The exposure to the information challenges me to be a proactive educator and leader. It is imperative that I seek the appropriate technology tools and collaborate online by implementing blogs and wikis in order to gain a better understanding and comprehension of today’s challenging issues.
The main contributing factors to my success in completing this course were attending the weekly web conferences and collaborating with two very dear friends. The assignments have multiple points of reference. Weekly assignments are accessed through EPIC, but it is necessary to check for updated weekly overviews through discussion boards and Lamar e-mails. It is also necessary to check the class website, cohort 23, in order to keep current with the expectations of the course work. The class website has been a tremendous aide by providing e-mails and URLs of class participants. Cohort 23 also aides with providing web conference powerpoints and course required documents. The multiple points of reference were very confusing for me until I started creating a list of each activity and noting the requirements that were found at each site. If this information could be compiled so that all requirements for the assignment are listed in one document, frustration and anxiety would greatly be reduced.
This course has helped me learn a lot about myself. The assessments that impacted me the most were the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, Multiple Intelligence Inventory, and the Technology Literacy Self-Assessment. Through the completion of these assessments I have identified leadership and technology strengths and weaknesses that will enable me to effectively use my skills to collaborate with and instruct others. The knowledge that I am a digital immigrant in a world of digital natives inspires me to be a proactive educator who implements and integrates technology so that learning is relevant for the 21st Century student. I have learned that technology is the future and that I have a responsibility to model, promote, instruct, collaborate, and mentor others so that all stakeholders realize that change in our schools is essential. Technology tools in the classroom must be the resources that drive the instruction. I am aware that it is also my responsibility to support and participate in the ongoing planning of an effective school district that promotes technology implementation.
Jeanette King
EDLD 5306/ET 8038
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