EDU 5352 Instructional Technology—Reflections

I knew that I would be learning about using technology in the classroom. As an

instructional leader in my school district, I have been on the front lines of the battles

that go on between the Curriculum and Technology departments. It’s a symbiotic

relationship, yet they often try to work independently of each other. I thought this

course would provide future directions for both areas. It would give me some useful

ideas about integration so that I can help move my district in the direction that will most

appeal to students and teachers alike.

Although this course was labor intensive, I benefited from completing the

readings, creating the blog, activating the hyperlinks, and uploading the assignments,

I also benefited from the lectures and the round table discussions. In completing the

work, I improved my own technology skills, and I set some goals for working with our

Technology Department. I feel that I have some research-based information to share

with them, and that they will respond positively. So yes, this course aligned with the

outcomes that I hoped that I would gain.

As a tech mate on my campus, these outcomes are relevant to the work that I do at

my campus. One of our campus plan goals is to integrate technology with instruction

and to increase campus communication with students, parents, and our community.

Learning about blogging, wikis, RSS feeds, Google docs, moodle and other discussion

boards provide tools for collaboration, communication, and integration. These tools are

familiar to our digital natives and can help them power up at school. I was truly a

novice learner with most of these tools. My digital immigrant persona was alive and well

as I worked through the assignments of this course.

The quick pace of the course prevented me from experiencing my new learning

at a deeper level. I wanted more than a survey approach. Of course, I can return to

the readings and technology tools after the conclusion of the course, and I will do that as I

complete my work as a tech mate. My tech mate responsibilities require that I teach

others what I have learned, and I want to become more skilled before I try. The course

was limited to creating a blog. It would have been great to have created both a wiki and

a discussion group too. I’m going to have to try these out on my own. Ideally,

technology tools should be integrated into every course offered. It should not be a

stand-alone course. Blogs, wikis, discussion boards and groups could be created in

each and every course of the Educational Leadership masters program.

Beginning this course during the Thanksgiving week holidays was a challenge.

We traveled to New York and stayed through the weekend. In addition, the number

of responses required on the Discussion Board were excessive. I can certainly understand

responding to each article and responding to a classmate’s work, but 24 responses were

too many. I feel that the quality of the responses waned, and the rush to get them

completed left little opportunity for complete absorption. The discussion board

requirements also took away from focusing on the assignments.

I learned that the world of technology waits for no one. The train has left the

station and you either get onboard or you get left behind. Regardless of the drawbacks,

we must recognize the benefits and figure out how to make it safe, secure, and applicable

to our classrooms and campuses. I am willing to jump in and I will stay with new

learning until I master it. I learned that I’m pretty good at it. I certainly am not afraid

to get to it and just push those buttons. Digital natives are driving the train, and I’m

getting on now.

Blogs can be huge in education. They are the connection to a global and digital

world. Traveling through blogs is open and unrestricted. We just have to think

creatively about all the different possibilities for using them. They can bring professional

development for teachers to the desktop, and they can open doors to students who may

not have access any other way. They can be a great communication and learning tool.

blog postings can be available to absent or distant students. They can connect students

to experiences unrestricted by travel. They are wonderful tools for communication

during a crisis, like the Swine flu. They can announce important events, Swine flu shots.

They can provide information about rezoning meetings, a popular topic among parents.

When districts or campuses are considering new initiatives, they can get feedback from

blog postings.

Steps should be taken to prepare and inform all bloggers about the risks and

hazards that come right along with blogging. Personal information should never be

provided. When students or teachers post online, they should be taught to protect their

personal information. They should be taught cyber ethics, and they should be warned

about cyberbullying. They should be provided with procedures to follow if they

encounter any of these situations.