Course Summary

When I learned of the topic of this course, I was looking forward to a class centered on instructional technology. I envisioned learning new ways to integrate technology into the classroom. I thought we might learn how to engage students with online research or methods of enlivening the way that teachers traditionally teach. Instead, I feel as if the focus of the class was put on the readings. Since students were required to put in so many hours on the readings and related postings, the assignments had to take a back seat. Had the readings been up to date with new, related information, they would have been more pertinent and worthy of focusing on. Since technology is ever-changing, our articles should have been from the last three to four years. One outcome from this class that I am pleased with is my extensive knowledge of the TX Long Range Technology plan and the STaR chart. I feel fully versed on both and will be able to use this knowledge as a campus instructional leader.

Although I learned a great deal about the TX Long Range Technology plan and the STaR chart, neither are wholly applicable in my current teaching assignment. The only way I use the STaR chart is to complete the survey each year. I can guide my classroom technology use according to the TX Long Range Technology plan as well as my district's technology plan.

I did not learn new methods of technology integration. Instead, I read articles arguing the use of cell phones in classrooms. I felt as if the writers were very far removed from the classroom and had a "rose-colored glasses" approach to using devices such as cell phones in the classroom. One topic that was discussed that I think could be used with great success in the classroom is the use of podcasts and wikis. Each of these opens the door for up-to-date information or student-created resources. This gives more ownership to students and has the potential to get them much more involved in their education.

The assignments in this course were interesting. I enjoyed the process of setting up a blog and commenting on other students'. This was not a new experience for me, but it was the first time I had been required to blog for a grade. I thought that was an innovative approach to turning in assignments. Visiting and commenting on other students' blogs allowed me to learn more about the classmates that I've been through at least seven courses with. It was nice to collaborate, in a sense, with them, and it made this class experience more similar to how we would interact in a face-to-face classroom. Also, the assignments regarding the STaR chart data and the TX Long Range Technology plan were interesting. I enjoyed viewing and analyzing data from the point of view of an administrator. It gave me an entirely different outlook and appreciation.

I was pleased with my assessment of my own technology skills. In several cases, I asked my students what they thought of the type and frequency of technology used in my classes. Since they are the true judges, I was happy to get feedback from them which indicated that they thought we use technology readily and regularly. Also, one interesting thing that I learned through this course is that I feel strongly about technology usage. Since I examined my personal views during this class, it made me realize that technology integration in the classroom is an area which I will focus on when I am in a position of leadership. I also understand the limitations of availability as well as teachers' comfort levels, so I think it is important to take that into consideration, as well.

Blogs have the potential to have a valuable impact on education. For teachers, it allows connections beyond the classroom. It gives teachers a place to post information that can be viewed by anyone, not just those with passwords. Also, a blog could be created by students in a class to record what they have learned about throughout the year. It could be made for parents to know more about the activities in their students' class or for the students to make sure they are keeping up with the class. 

One problem with using blogs in the potential for inaccurate information to be posted. This might become a concern if it is a student-created and moderated blog. Also, blogging information for parents might bring about issues if some parents don't have access to the Internet. Since there is no way to ensure that all parents have reliable Internet access, relaying information via a blog is an unreliable method of communicating information.

A campus could utilize a blog to post upcoming events and important information. The blog would be available to all students, parents, and community members interested in keeping up with what is going on our campus. There would need to be some regulations about who is responsible for blogging and what information is posted. A blog would be a great way to advertise team sporting events or scores or parent teacher association meetings or events.