- What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?
The outcome that I envisioned with this course was to become more familiar with how technology played a role in our educational system. Focus on my weaknesses and strengths as a leader in educational technology and how to incorporate my learning into my classroom. I believe that I did achieve the outcome that I envisioned from taking this course. The course alignment was in par with my visions of what the course was going to be and I feel that it provided me with a thorough understanding of the concepts needed in educational technology. I feel that I can use my newly gained knowledge to be able to integrate some of the tools and techniques that I acquired. I was given the opportunity to examine and review standards that are used in the state for the Technology Plan. I was able to model tools that are available to assist with technology education.
- To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?
The outcomes of the course are relevant to what I do in school. I work for the Career and Technology Department and am always interested in learning new ways of incorporating technology in my students learning. I can assist other teachers and administrators in developing new ways of the using technology in the curriculum. The Web 2.0 tools were very helpful and it allowed me to think of new ways to use them in my classroom with my students. By developing leadership skills in the classroom, I can use them to assist teachers in adapting new ways of using technology in their curriculum. In my weekly readings, I was able to get new ideas and share those thoughts with my students. My classroom is a class whose foundation is strictly based on technology, which makes it much easier for me to be able to communicate these ideas with my students.
- What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?
I feel that I achieved most of the outcomes that were presented in the course with a few exceptions. There were many topics that I was not aware of, and was very excited about implementing them into my curriculum. In reviewing the course outcomes, I was very pleased in knowing that we had covered all of the topics presented and that I finished the course with a very thorough knowledge of the topics. I was able to learn several areas of technology and how to identify the problems and get the solutions to those problems. There were many strategies that I was not aware of that gave me a perspective on how technology in the classroom goes beyond just using a computer or a program. I was able to identify areas of concern with respect to the use of technology when I came to students and staff. Provide the staff and students those tools to assist them in becoming effective learners.
- Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?
I had practically no problems with the course assignments. The Draft Internship Plan and the Principals Competencies Chart were challenging and had several questions on how to complete it. Attending the web conferences really helped in answering questions that I had on the assignments. Receiving feedback from the instructor and other students was essential in keeping up with the assignments. In working collaboratively with others, I managed to overcome any of the obstacles that I was facing during the course. The use of our wiki’s and the comments made by other students provided me with guidance on how to proceed with the assignments. The tutorials on how to use the Tk20 system were very helpful and allowed me to upload and attach the necessary documents. I don’t feel that I felt discouraged at any time during the course and all of the assignments were very well written and explained in a matter that was easily understood.
- What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?
What I learned from this course is how much the leadership role is essential. Not only do we need to know about technology and how to use it but we must also be able to communicate and teach that technology effectively and efficiently. We must become involved with the everyday aspects of technology in the curriculum and stay current with any trends or changes that occur. I learned that I am very good at communicating and teaching technology. I like to for students and teachers to be proficient with their use so that they understand the vital role that technology plays in their lives everyday. My attitude has certainly changed for the better, as I now understand the significance of using aligning technology with the curriculum and how much it impacts our society when we are knowledgeable in using it appropriately. I learned from this course how to become an effective leader and how to implement ideas to become reality.
