Course Reflection

What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?

I did not expect to learn so much about technology applications in this course but I am happy I did. The reading assignments opened my eyes to how deeply technology is integrated into the lives of our students. Without employing it,we will lose our children to boredom. This course has further reinforced why it is essential to teach our students the way they learn; technologically. As a result of this course, I am familiar with the technology TEKS, the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, the NETS*A standards for technology applications in schools. I am also comfortable with disaggregation of data from the Texas STaR Chart and a variety of other data sources to make decisions regarding action plans for technology application. All of the knowledge I have gained form this course are relevant to my current position as a teacher, and as an aspiring school leader. It is important for a classroom teacher like myself to understand the impact of technology in the classroom to promote student achievement. As an aspiring administrator, I ought to be well versed on technology standards, initiatives and the emerging technologies that could benefit students, but more importantly, I want to be able to implement technology by promoting collaboration among teachers and technology staff members.

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?

Since the inception of this course, I have found numerous ways to integrate technology into my classroom. I have created a blog for my Advanced Placement Chemistry course, I have found numerous videos and gizmos to aid my students understanding in Biology. I am beginning to see growth and my students are becoming more interested in class. This is evident in increased participation and increased test scores. I always wondered why we had to take technology surveys, but no one ever shared that such data was used to rate technology applications at my campus. I also thought that I was savvy with technology and so did not need much help. After taking this course, I realize that there is a lot to learn and In plan on taking classes at a community college to hone my skills. I need a personal technology action plan to increase my skills so that I can help my career and my students. It is vital that we all get on the technology bandwagon because, that is the only way to the future. It is vital that all teachers and even teacher assistants receive technology training because we are all charged with educating students and no teachers or TAs should be left behind in the full integration of technology.

What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?

A major thing I looked forward to doing was using the Google desktop organizer to save all of my work and teaching tools. This would have been a great resources to share with my colleagues, and use for myself. I planned on incorporating this tool into my work, but due to lack of time and opportunity, I was unable to. This is something I plan on exploring over the holiday, because one can never be too organized. I also plan on sharing it with my fellow Chemistry teachers to use for collaboration in our professional learning community. I believe it will increase our school efforts to go green and help customize lessons and projects for our individual students. I also intend to share this with other teachers at my school to utilize in their learning communities as well and to adopt as a school-wide initiative.

Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?

At the inception of the course, I was not enthusiastic about what I was going to be doing. I was intimidated by the technology applications I was expected to use however, I was pleasantly surprised by all of the assistance I received. Now at the end of the course, I feel accomplished. I can teach someone else how to create a blog, look up the technology TEKS, disaggregate data, create an action plan, and organize staff development. I decided to accept the challenge, take one step at a time. I admit at times, I was frustrated when the technology did not work or how much time I had to devote to the course, but all in all, it was worth it. I would not mind taking another course such as this one. Usually, I am the first person to criticize my students on knowing only technology and nothing else. Upon completing this course, I realize that being technologically savvy requires a whole set of skills that I have grown to have an appreciation and respect for. I also understand why a lot of teacher shy away from using it.

What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?

Going through the requirements of this course made me realize that I am not that in tune with technology as much as I like to think I am. I understand that I have to stay abreast of new technology by researching and constantly using it. I have decided to enroll in a community college technology course to brush up my skill and increase my technological knowledge. The course assignments taught me how to create an action plan using data-based decision making. Interviewing my students was insightful into their worlds, what they use technology for but more relevant, how they feel about technology use in school versus at home. It is important to me that I listen to my students and find out their interests. Also, I think that their opinions should be sought in making changes to acceptable use polices, technology initiatives and investment.

What is the educational value of blogs and blogging to the 21st century learner?

This course inspired me to create a blog for one of my courses and I think it is best thing I have ever done. My students are able to communicate outside of class, socialize intelligence among each other by posting helpful information on assignments and classroom projects. They are able to get information all the time without always calling or e-mailing me. I can also access their work and correct any of their misconceptions without having to wait till Monday. Blogging has added tremendous value to my students' learning and I plan on creating a blog for all my preparations next year. They are wonderful tool, for students to learn and share ideas with one another. If it can be this beneficial to a course like Advanced Placement Chemistry, it will work wonders for literature, sociology and all other social science courses.

What are the concerns of blogs and blogging in education?
Most educators think that blogs and education do not go together. Most educator believe that blogs are for social networking and have no place in enhancing education. Blogs have a reputation for being personal online journals, but they are an incredible tool to talk with students, get them socializing what they have learned, giving them an opportunity to use technology to discuss and share what they have learned.

How can you use blogging to communicate with school stakeholders?

My school district has a blog and it serves as a forum for discussing district initiatives among stakeholders. The district utilizes this blog to disseminate information to parents, students, teachers, and the community. This can save paper and it is also a valuable way to gather public opinion on district initiatives and policies. Parents and students feel comfortable accessing the blogs on their time rather than attending meetings. They can also maintain their anonymity while they make comments on the blog.