Embedded+Assignment+Reflections

Embedded Assignment Reflections

 **__EDLD 5306 - Concepts of Educational Technology:__** The assignments for this course included analyzing STaR chart data for our school and creating an online wiki environment with other educators on the campus to discuss the data and make decisions concerning the future of technology for the campus. The results of the campus data analysis proved to be very beneficial not only for myself but others with whom I shared the information. I had teachers and administrators alike asking questions about how we could improve the areas that were determined to be our weakest. The ability to not only intelligently discuss the technology, but the specific data as well, bolstered my role as a technology leader and helped me gain access to other leaders within my district. I am now included in discussions about the future of technology for our campus and have even co-founded a technology learning community on my campus. The most challenging portion of the assignment was finding teachers willing to participate in the wiki. Not only did the new terminology scare them away, but when I explained it would take a little of their valuable time, I found many not interested. Those that did participate started out with a bang but soon fizzled. We do not use the wiki anymore as most have forgotten usernames and passwords or even where to find it. However from this experience I again benefited as a technology leader. Prior to the experience my colleagues knew that I taught technology but were unsure of coming to me asking for help with their own classes. They now know they can come to me with questions or for ideas on implementing technology lessons within their context. The teaching and learning area was one that our campus struggles with according to the STaR data. By making myself available and approachable I hope to make a positive impact for our campus. How to go about that with all the busy schedules and other roadblocks is the only remaining question.

 **__EDLD 5333 - Leadership for Accountability:__** The readings were very helpful in understanding how to effectively cultivate change once a plan has been created. Discussing why an action plan is necessary and how to create that plan is important, but this does not ensure the success of the plan. Richardson's //Consensus Leadership// article is a wonderful case study in creating buy-in which will ultimately result in full cooperation of stakeholders and strengthen the outcomes of the plan. My action plan did not include some very important pieces necessary to create this collaborative and effective environment. Going forward I will be sure to introduce more data into the decision making process in small bundles which contain only necessary information. This will allow for informed decision making without data overloads. I must also take the time to define and train all interested parties in the site-based decision making process to promote the kind of positive process that gets the job done. Most importantly, I want to promote consensus decision making rather than the standard, majority rules. If a group can effectively incorporate many different ideas into one solution that is mutually agreed upon, that decision is bound to be more far-reaching than a single idea. Above all I hope to remember that I cannot lead alone.

Discussing the finer points of the district's technology use an budgets was more difficult than I had expected but very enlightening. There were multiple points of contact depending on the system or intended use. Even the Director of Technology for the district admitted that he was not familiar enough with the Student Information Systems to answer my questions. I was referred fro one person to another but eventually did get all the answers I needed. As a teacher this fracturing is a source of frustration when trying to implement technology in the classroom. There is no single point of contact for help in purchasing, installing, and supporting technology and teachers simply do not have time to deal with this so they throw there hands up at the first road block and use it as an excuse to exclude technology. I too see this as a large problem and do not understand how or why the district chooses to handle technology in this manner. The budget information is divided as well. Hardware, software, infrastructure, and services are all handled by different people. And most of these people work in completely different buildings with other positions throughout the district. This insight coupled with the ridiculously low figure I was given as the total 3-Rate funds provided by the state to our district, give me a much clearer understanding of why technology is lacking in our classrooms. I have shared some of this knowledge with other educators as well and they always seem to be more supportive an patient after the explanation. Personally I think what needs to happen now is a restructuring of the technology department so that it will run more smoothly and efficiently and be able to support our growing district.
 * __EDLD 5362 - Information Systems Management:__ **

Our learning team consisted of five educators with varying experiences and positions. Four of us were classroom teachers and one was a library media specialist but even as classroom teachers we represented a varying range of subjects. The group collaborated through several different ways. We emailed, created a collaborative space in Google docs, and even video conferenced using Tokbox. All were such effective forms of communication that we commented regularly on how easy it was to work on a group project in this manner. The goal of the project was to complete a lesson using the CAST lesson building software provided. We chose a 7th grade Language Arts lesson as the base of the project. I am not a LA teacher and have never been, while three of the other group members either are or were in that field. They were relied on heavily for the content of the lesson. I played the role of the technologist mostly. My expertise in the use of technology was used to put together our lesson and the required video that was the final product. The project was obviously a success based on the grades we received throughout the course. Personalities, styles, and differing degrees of subject matter knowledge were all possible obstacles but our group worked very well together. If any person was unhappy with their role or that of others it was not noticeable. There were times during the planning that I felt I was not contributing enough but once the technical aspects were put in place I felt I made an equitable impact on the final product. Even after that particular course ended we all have remained in contact and frequently ask each other questions concerning current courses. At least four of us will be meeting face to face for the first time at graduation in August. To me this speaks volumes for online learning communities especially when compared with traditional education. Many people fear a lack of community will exist within an online course. However, I can attest to the fact that relationships can be forged via online communication and I know just as much about the students in my online courses as I ever did in the traditional university setting.
 * __EDLD 5364 - Teaching with Technology:__ **


 * __EDLD 5368 - Instructional Design:__ **


 * __EDLD 5366 - Digital Graphics, Animation and Desktop Publishing:__ **


 * __EDLD 5363 - Video Technology and Multimedia:__ **


 * __EDLD 5365 - Web Design:__ **