EDLD 5352 Course Reflection

EDLD 5352 Course Reflection


When I first completed the Pre-Course Self-Evaluation I was a little concerned. There were certain items on the evaluation that I did not know about. At the beginning of this course I was not familiar with the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology or Texas STaR Chart data. I had heard these terms at meetings and in-services, but I would not be able to sit down and discuss these items in detail. The outcomes I envisioned from this course were to become knowledgeable in these areas of technology. There was a wealth of information provided from the assigned readings for this course. All the material provided can and will be used in the workplace.
The Texas STaR Chart survey is something that we as teachers fill out every year. After taking this course I finally realize the importance of this survey. The STaR chart was developed as a resource tool for self-assessment of our campus’ and districts’ efforts to effectively integrate technology across the curriculum. The data from the STaR chart is used in technology planning, budgeting for resources, and evaluation of the districts’ progress in integrating technology. Administrators and district personnel can also use the information to update the district’s technology plan and measure teacher and student proficiencies in regard to integration of technology. The STaR chart also helps administrators determine where to allocate funding for technology.
The Long-Range Plan for Technology was developed to ensure that we prepare our students to become 21st learners. This plan has been broken up into three different phases. Technology is constantly changing so we must continually refine and align curriculum standards to reflect the needs of the 21st century learner. In this plan we need to provide equitable access to technology tools for students and teachers. We need to provide teachers the opportunities to implement new strategies for enhancing teaching and learning through the use of quality instructional resources and technology tools. In order for our teachers to become successful they must go through ongoing professional development in order to keep up with the constant change in technology. They must be kept up to date with all the new technology tools and be instructed on how to use them properly.
I feel that I achieved the course outcome as well as my own. The information I gained from this course is invaluable. The use of technology in education is constantly changing and as educators we need to stay on top of these changes. I feel that I was successful in carrying out the course assignments. I struggled at times but I made it through. I can say that I am a digital immigrant but in order to help my students I need to take a more active approach to technology. We need to adapt and integrate different forms of digital tools into our lessons. Students are very knowledgeable in the different uses of technology so we need to use them as references.
When I read week one assignment and it asked us to create a blog address I panicked. I did not know if I was going to make it through the class. After following the instructions provided it was not difficult at all. Weblogs or Blogs have been around for awhile but only recently have they started to pick up. Educators had concerns when it came to the use of weblogs. Educators were skeptical about the use of blogs because of privacy and security issues. As time passed, educators started to experiment with blogs as a way of communication with students. Teachers began to see blogs as a way for students to collaborate. Educators have also found ways to use blogs to communicate with school stakeholders. They are able to get important and general information to the stakeholders. This also provides the stakeholder with the opportunity to comment and provide teachers with feedback.
The assignments and reading materials in this course were very informative. This course provides a lot of insight to the technology concerns that we need to be aware of as administrators. I feel confident enough to be able to discuss and inform fellow colleagues of the Long-Range Plan for Technology Plan or the Texas STaR Chart. I feel that I can explain the goals and expectations of student learning through technology. As an administrator there are a lot of pressures to ensure that our students are prepared for the 21st century. Our school district is trying to implement technology to enhance learning and instruction. The students now have to take an active part in learning in order to become 21st century learners. The pressure not only falls on the administrator but the student as well.