EDLD 5352 Instructional Leadership: The Technology Link Reflection

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.

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.