When enrolling in EDLD 5352 Instructional Leadership: The Technology Link, I was unsure exactly what the class would entail. Reading over the class syllabus gave me a better glimpse of the course, particularly the learning objectives. I feel like I have a better understanding of the Texas Long-Range Technology Plan. As we are nearing the completion of phase I, I am anxious to see what phase II includes in details. In addition to learning about the state plan, I had an opportunity to study our district’s technology plan as well. Together these two documents helped me look at campus technology goals. Interviewing the district technology director, campus principal, teachers, and students helped me understand their understandings of integrating technology. I do wish I would have taken an opportunity to interview parents’ thoughts regarding technology integration. Overall, I learned so much more information about integrating technology than I thought I would.
Although I was apprehensive about creating a blog, that was a very positive experience for me. It has given me new ideas on how to use blogs with a faculty to increase their online learning experience. I can see how when we are working on a new initiative as a school, we can use blogs to dialogue our experiences with each other. This in turn will have engaged the faculty to want them to look for how to use blogging in their own classes. For the auditory learners on the staff, I would like to explore using some podcasts. I know some of the staff is struggling a bit right now with what effective reading conferences sound like. I can see how posting some podcasts of conferences held with students in their own classes would be effective. As an instructional leader, it will be very important for me to model the use of technology myself so that my faculty will feel as willing to give it a try!
Despite the fact that I wanted to learn more about web conferences, I do not feel my learning is in the comfort zone with that yet. I was very appreciative of the chance to participate in a web conference with Dr. Abernathy; however, our conference seemed to have many technological issues with the sound. Although the chatting feature worked, it was hard to keep up with everyone. Even though the experience I had was a bit frustrating, I have not given up! I have spoken with our district technology director about using web conferring with teachers. Our district also uses Adobe Connect and they are going to help me set up some small group sessions with teachers to “test it out”. I think this is a powerful tool to use due to how busy teachers are with their other responsibilities. I am planning on offering some web conferences in late January. I will provide times for teachers to do use Adobe Connect immediately after school and some sessions later in the evening for those who want to try this at home. I think the best way for me to become more comfortable with this powerful learning tool is to jump right in!
The assignments in this class were very intense; however, I think they needed to be for me to learn as much as I did. Completing the technology assessments made me realize that although I thought I knew quite a bit about technology, I still have lots to learn! As previously mentioned, creating the blog was a powerful learning experience for me. Studying the campus, district, and state technology plans helped me see the bigger picture of how to integrate technology with curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Interviewing key stakeholders gave me a greater insight into the entire process of integrating technology as well. Creating an action plan helped me synthesize my learning through this course. The readings we had each week were very interesting. Posting a quote and reflecting on others was a good experience, as I think it made me really understand each topic that much more thoroughly.
When I think about what I learned in this course, it is hard to know where to begin! The assessments helped me realize I had a lot more to learn about my technology skills and understanding the technology implementation in our school district and at the campus level. Each week’s assignments and readings helped me learn how important the campus leader is at seeing that the implementation of technology occurs. As a campus leader, I must continually revisit the technology goals with the faculty and most importantly be a model of integrating technology use myself. I cannot get “hung up” on the fact that the technology might not work at the moment I’m trying to model it nor that I’m going to understand every piece 100%. However, when there is training about technology in the building, it will be important for me to show support my attending those trainings and then modeling the use as well.
Blogging is an area I learned a lot about and its potential impact on education. Blogging provides the opportunity for teachers and students to publish their ideas on the Web for others to learn from. Blogs are very easy to learn how to use. Blogs can be used to communicate with teachers, parents, students, and members of the community. Creating and managing a blog is free which in today’s school finance issues shows the community we are being wise with the taxpayer’s money. “Bloggers” have the opportunity to collaborate with many experts outside their own classroom, which can really engage the learner, making learning more interactive. Weblogs are simple to use, whether it is for posting information or reviewing the information posted.
Although blogging has many educational benefits, there are some concerns as well. Access, privacy, and security issues should be given careful consideration when making decisions about blog use at schools. Before implementing blogging, schools must give think about how they are going to protect their students. As a district and campus, we will need to have a plan in place for making sure blogs are being used in a safe way that will help students understand the significance of blogging as a learning tool. As an instructional leader, it will be my responsibility that the teachers are being the good role models for the students by implementing a clear policy regarding blogging. Much information will also need to be shared with parents.
We currently have a school web page in place; however, setting up a blog to communicate information to the key stakeholders in the school is something to consider. This will allow teachers and myself to post the most current information that is being communicated to parents, without having to rely on the one webmaster to post information. It will allow the stakeholders to comment on the information immediately, with me being able to give a response back. It will allow teachers to post handouts and assignments. Teachers too could answer questions for everyone to see. As with everything, it seems like time will be the biggest factor as far as keeping up with the postings.
WHEW! What a class! EDLD 5352 Instructional Leadership: The Technology Link was very intense; however, it was a GOOD intense. My learning curve soared very high! I know I still have lots to learn with technology that is ever changing; however, I feel I have a firmer understanding to build upon.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Web Conference 12.2.09, 5:00-6:00 PM
Tonight was my first experience with a web conference. After my daughter helped me get my video camera on, I felt much better. The frustrating part of the experience was the audio. It was very difficult to hear everyone. There were lots of echos and lots of break-ups in the sound. Although we were able to communicate through the "chatting" feature, it was difficult to keep up with that and all the conversations.
Although we were to ask questions of our assignment and get feedback from others, the session turned into more of a "how do I do this" session and understanding the features. Some questions were asked and clarified to assist with this week's assignment.
All things considered, it was a worthwhile experience. I even got to chat with someone in China! I could see how this would be a powerful tool to use. I plan on participating in more of these sessions if they are offered.
Although we were to ask questions of our assignment and get feedback from others, the session turned into more of a "how do I do this" session and understanding the features. Some questions were asked and clarified to assist with this week's assignment.
All things considered, it was a worthwhile experience. I even got to chat with someone in China! I could see how this would be a powerful tool to use. I plan on participating in more of these sessions if they are offered.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Hancock Elementary S Ta R Chart
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Hancock Elementary S Ta R Chart
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Texas STaR Chart: Teaching and Learning
The area of the Texas STaR Chart that refers to teaching and learning emphasizes the key for all students to be successful is by assuring that they are fully engaged in their learning process and that there are many chances for them to be stimulated and initiate this engagement. Learning and teaching must focus on connecting to students' lives. It is imperative that students know how to acquire information.
Within our school district, there has been a higher expectation for teachers working towards student-centered learning with collaboration opportunities. Students work towards solving real-world problems. In Texas, since students come from such a diverse background accessing this technology will level the playing field for all students, regardless of their background. This distance learning can then extend past the state of Texas into other parts of the country and world. The collaboration is key!
Some trends in this area include Advanced Placement, dual-credit, and other courses required for graduation. In our district there has been great emphasis on teachers consistently using the TA TEKS appropriate for content and grade level. By integrating technology into the schools, there is a greater level of interest, inquiry, analysis, collaboration, creativity, and content production.
An area that I see still needing improvement is for all learners to have access to technology 24/7. Many students in our district come from homes that do not have access to technology. Even though juniors are issued laptops, if they do not have internet connection at their home, they are limited in using the laptops. Also, many sites are blocked on the laptops. The issued laptops are a beginning, but we still have a long way to go!
Within our school district, there has been a higher expectation for teachers working towards student-centered learning with collaboration opportunities. Students work towards solving real-world problems. In Texas, since students come from such a diverse background accessing this technology will level the playing field for all students, regardless of their background. This distance learning can then extend past the state of Texas into other parts of the country and world. The collaboration is key!
Some trends in this area include Advanced Placement, dual-credit, and other courses required for graduation. In our district there has been great emphasis on teachers consistently using the TA TEKS appropriate for content and grade level. By integrating technology into the schools, there is a greater level of interest, inquiry, analysis, collaboration, creativity, and content production.
An area that I see still needing improvement is for all learners to have access to technology 24/7. Many students in our district come from homes that do not have access to technology. Even though juniors are issued laptops, if they do not have internet connection at their home, they are limited in using the laptops. Also, many sites are blocked on the laptops. The issued laptops are a beginning, but we still have a long way to go!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS
When reviewing the PK Technology Guidelines it was surprising how similar they were to the K-2 Technology TEKS. Students in PK are expected to navigate software, use a variety of computer input devices, operate voice/sound recorders and touch screens, use software to create and express ideas, and recognize the information is accessible through the use of technology.
The PK guidelines lay the foundation for all other grade levels. Students who attend PK will be able to practice navigating software, use computer input devices, and learn how to access information. By having this foundation, these students will be much more secure in their use of technology. Being able to access technology as a four-year old provides these students with much more of an advantage compared to those students who are unable to attend PK.
The Technology Application TEKS are part of a spiraling curriculum. For example, students in PK are expected to use a variety of input devices. This TEK is then expected in kindergarten-grade 2 also. Students in PK are introduced to navigating software, yet this also is a TEK reinforced in kindergarten-grade 2 as well. Another TEK that I thought was very lofty for PK was how to access information through the use of technology. When I had reviewed the K-2 Technology TEKS I had seen that same TEK then and thought that was a high expectation at that level, so when I saw it in PK I was even more surprised.
Any student who is fortunate enough to attend PK in Texas will have a strong foundation to build upon in regards to technology. They will have an extra advantage to helping them be prepared in the 21st Century.
The PK guidelines lay the foundation for all other grade levels. Students who attend PK will be able to practice navigating software, use computer input devices, and learn how to access information. By having this foundation, these students will be much more secure in their use of technology. Being able to access technology as a four-year old provides these students with much more of an advantage compared to those students who are unable to attend PK.
The Technology Application TEKS are part of a spiraling curriculum. For example, students in PK are expected to use a variety of input devices. This TEK is then expected in kindergarten-grade 2 also. Students in PK are introduced to navigating software, yet this also is a TEK reinforced in kindergarten-grade 2 as well. Another TEK that I thought was very lofty for PK was how to access information through the use of technology. When I had reviewed the K-2 Technology TEKS I had seen that same TEK then and thought that was a high expectation at that level, so when I saw it in PK I was even more surprised.
Any student who is fortunate enough to attend PK in Texas will have a strong foundation to build upon in regards to technology. They will have an extra advantage to helping them be prepared in the 21st Century.
Long-Range Plan
WOW! I had no idea how thorough the long-range plan for technology in the state of Texas was! It is hard to believe that Phase I will be coming to a close soon and that it will soon be evaluated to determine the plan of action for Phase II. I particularly liked the comprehensiveness of the plan to include goals for students, teachers, leaders, and the infrastructure.
I definitely agree with the need for the change. School as I knew it growing up (and it wasn't that long ago!) has changed considerably. I've even noticed the impact of technology with my eleventh grader and seventh grader. My seventh grader is using technology applications much sooner than my daughter who is a junior. The educational system does need to prepare our students for the future, whether students choose to continue their education or join the work force. To enhance the level of engagement, teachers must help students see the how technology helps them learn and how it can be used in all areas of their life by helping them learn how to acquire information.
I was surprised by the survey of teachers that only 57% felt that student performance was impacted by student engagement. I would have expected it to be a much higher percentage. As a leader I need to keep in mind that teachers feel that technology has made their job easier, so I will need to continue to find ways to use technology to assist teachers in making their job easier.
I found the section on educator preparation and development very informative. That is a very critical piece to the success of the plan. As a leader, I will want to be part of that staff development with teachers so I can embrace the learning with them and model the use of technology as well.
One of the biggest hurdles I found in the plan is the budget to support the technology. I know our district is in a financial bind and I'm wondering how this will impact technology.
I agree with all aspects of the plan, so embracing the plan as a leader will be something I can support. My biggest goal will be modeling the use of technology and gathering data regarding the technology. I want my staff to be open about their use of technology and share concerns and celebrations with me.
I definitely agree with the need for the change. School as I knew it growing up (and it wasn't that long ago!) has changed considerably. I've even noticed the impact of technology with my eleventh grader and seventh grader. My seventh grader is using technology applications much sooner than my daughter who is a junior. The educational system does need to prepare our students for the future, whether students choose to continue their education or join the work force. To enhance the level of engagement, teachers must help students see the how technology helps them learn and how it can be used in all areas of their life by helping them learn how to acquire information.
I was surprised by the survey of teachers that only 57% felt that student performance was impacted by student engagement. I would have expected it to be a much higher percentage. As a leader I need to keep in mind that teachers feel that technology has made their job easier, so I will need to continue to find ways to use technology to assist teachers in making their job easier.
I found the section on educator preparation and development very informative. That is a very critical piece to the success of the plan. As a leader, I will want to be part of that staff development with teachers so I can embrace the learning with them and model the use of technology as well.
One of the biggest hurdles I found in the plan is the budget to support the technology. I know our district is in a financial bind and I'm wondering how this will impact technology.
I agree with all aspects of the plan, so embracing the plan as a leader will be something I can support. My biggest goal will be modeling the use of technology and gathering data regarding the technology. I want my staff to be open about their use of technology and share concerns and celebrations with me.
Technology Skills Assessment
After completing the Technology Applications Inventory and the SETDA District Survey, I realized that although I feel like I know technology pretty well, I have several areas to grow in! The Technology Applications Inventory revealed that I do know the “basics” of technology and could share that knowledge comfortably with teachers. Completing the research class helped me grow in the information acquisition domain. Although I am stronger in the foundations and information acquisition domains, I have lots of growth needed in solving problems with technology tools and the communications domain. I need more experience with spreadsheets, databases, multimedia projects. What surprised me the most was the communication domain. After completing the inventory, I realized that although I use technology in my job to communicate with teachers, I do not use technology in a variety of ways to communicate. I really need to learn more about communicating using more multimedia presentation styles.
While completing the SETDA District Survey, I realized I still have much knowledge to gain regarding district implementation of technology. Although our district has a technology department that trains us in many avenues of technology, I realized I do not know the impact the technology is having on the students. Although we work closely with the technology department to embed technology in each of the content areas, I do not know if the use of technology is impacting student achievement in those core content areas. Nor do I know if data is being collected to determine if technology is impacting students’ 21st Century Skills, student engagement, or student proficiency with technology. I need to visit with the technology department to see if/how this data is being collected. What pleased me the most about completing the survey was verifying all the training on technology that is offered to our teachers and the expectation of using technology in the classroom. The only part of technology that isn’t included in our district for students is their own email. Our district also has been working hard at the student:computer ratio. Currently the ratio at the elementary is 1:2.75, at the middle schools 1:2.88, and 1:2 at the high schools.
Completing both the inventory and survey has taught me areas I need to gain more information in. I will be visiting with our technology coordinator to determine how data is being collected on the impact of using technology with students. I also will be trying to learn more about multimedia presentation styles, along with getting some experience in creating spreadsheets and databases.
While completing the SETDA District Survey, I realized I still have much knowledge to gain regarding district implementation of technology. Although our district has a technology department that trains us in many avenues of technology, I realized I do not know the impact the technology is having on the students. Although we work closely with the technology department to embed technology in each of the content areas, I do not know if the use of technology is impacting student achievement in those core content areas. Nor do I know if data is being collected to determine if technology is impacting students’ 21st Century Skills, student engagement, or student proficiency with technology. I need to visit with the technology department to see if/how this data is being collected. What pleased me the most about completing the survey was verifying all the training on technology that is offered to our teachers and the expectation of using technology in the classroom. The only part of technology that isn’t included in our district for students is their own email. Our district also has been working hard at the student:computer ratio. Currently the ratio at the elementary is 1:2.75, at the middle schools 1:2.88, and 1:2 at the high schools.
Completing both the inventory and survey has taught me areas I need to gain more information in. I will be visiting with our technology coordinator to determine how data is being collected on the impact of using technology with students. I also will be trying to learn more about multimedia presentation styles, along with getting some experience in creating spreadsheets and databases.
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