5306 Course Reflections

When I first started this course, I imagined a general overview of concepts that would be explored mostly through on-line lecture and video.  I thought maybe there would be video chat sessions and a discussion board.  I predicted that there would be a lot of reading and a lot of writing.  I had no idea that there would be the amount of “hands-on” activities and I certainly never imagined that they would come at such a fast pace.  The actual course included the lectures, videos, chat sessions and discussion board that I envisioned, plus a whole lot more.  I achieved far more in this first course than I ever imagined.  Establishing a blog, wiki, and learning how to form a Wordle and video with Animoto made me feel like I have really received a thorough foundation on which to base my other courses. 

Everything that I achieved in this course can be relevant to the work that I do for my district.  As a home-bound instructor, I have a lot of flexibility and freedom to modify, elaborate, or omit assignments sent by the classroom “teacher of record.”  In addition, I have the freedom to work with one individual at a time, although many times their parent is sitting and learning with the student.  At the same time, I am limited by my laptop and availability of Wi-Fi.  The readings and the videos that I have encountered have widened my perspective.  I found that I agree with and already practice much of the pedagogy.  I realized that, even though teachers are emailing digital copies of their files and their Power Points, they are still just sending the same time of “drill and practice.”  It is up to me to change that and teach them how to make their distance learning more effective. 

Since I really did not know what to expect from this course, I would have to say that I achieved almost every outcome that I anticipated, and more. The only outcome I did not achieve was attending the web conferences.  Other than the required web conference, I was unable to attend due to the fact that I do not have a web cam.  It was difficult to not be able to speak and participate.  In addition I had time constraints due to family life.  I did, however, review the other web conference recordings and I would like to have participated.  I anticipate getting a new computer with a webcam before the next class starts so that I can participate fully in the web conferences from here on out.  It seems that there is a lot of information that can be gained from the experience.

I was successful in carrying out the course assignments.  The first week was very discouraging as I had a lot going on in my personal life.  My work schedule increased, as did my case load.  In addition, it has been 20 years since I attended school.  There was a lot to assimilate at once.  I was trying to do class work, study for the GRE, and get financial aid in order.  Finding all the information in all the different locations was quite stressful but, by the end of the second week, I was getting the hang of it all.  The third and fourth weeks were fairly easy and I was able to get a jump on the last week’s work.  In spite of all the setbacks, I was successful and I believe that I have a handle on things so I won’t be so surprised when I start the next class.

I learned a great deal from this course.  First of all, I learned that I have a lot to learn in order to achieve my goals.  I discovered that going back to school is a bit more difficult than I anticipated, but I also discerned that I will make it.  I am still able to push myself to juggle my job, my family and my school.  My organization skills will make it easier to balance my life and achieve my goals.  My technology and leadership skills need some honing, but I believe that I can learn and achieve mastery.  My excitement has built with each week and each skill that I learned.  My enthusiasm spilled over to my significant other and we began to be creative together.  I know that he will support me in my efforts and help me to keep a positive attitude throughout the program.

EDLD 5306 Web Conference Response

I finally attended my first web conference. I wasn't able to be seen, but it was nice to see the other faces. I was able to participate in the discussion through text and I received some answers to some pressing questions. It was quite comforting to know that other people had some of the same questions and that information was given and recieved by most of the attendees. I may not attend the web conference every week, but I certainly will if the need arises. In addition, I know that the new computer I will be purchasing wil have a webcam! I feel much more at ease about the class now.

EDLD 5306 Schools and Libraries Program

schools and libraries programs

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EDLD 5306 National Educational Technology Plan

Under The National Educational Technology Plan (NETP), President Obama has laid out a plan to raise the number of graduates to 60% by 2020. (NETP, 2010).  The plan has five goals with recommendations for everyone involved in the learning process.  In addition, it addresses most of the issues involved with infrastructure, teaching, productivity and assessment.  The goals are as follows: “All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and outside of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society. Our education system at all levels will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and use assessment data for continuous improvement. Professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that enable and inspire more effective teaching for all learners. All students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning when and where they need it. Our education system at all levels will redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making more efficient use of time, money, and staff.” (NETP, 2010). Under this plan, students should become “skillful and strategic…motivated and engaged…and networked learners” (NETP, 2010).

I believe that all of this is excellent and true.  I personally embrace technology and think it’s a great plan.  The problem that I have is that not every student will want to go to college.  Maybe not 60% will want to go on for that associate’s or bachelor’s degree.  There are still those who are on another route.  Some (although I admit not a great number) do not even like technology and are resistant.  How, then, is it feasible to make those great strides in so few years?

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology. (2010). Transforming american education: learning powered by technology. draft national educational technology plan 2010

EDLD 5306 District Technology Plan

My school district’s technology goal is “anytime- anywhere” computing.   ("Instructional technology and," 2005). A major portion of the technology plan is to provide each teacher and student with a laptop which may be used in all classes and at home.  In 2005, the administrators proposed and obtained $24,000,000 in bond money to complete technology upgrades. They began upgrading the district infrastructure, particularly the wireless network.  Other upgrades included “network switches, security cameras and telecommunications” ("Instructional technology and," 2005). These included Smart Boards, calculators, digital equipment for science and math and projectors for every classroom.  In addition, the district has instituted our “Virtual School” run by Regina Owens.   In 2007, a protocol was adopted, delegating responsibilities to a variety of people to ensure compliance with the plan and the law. In 2010, a “vision” was acted upon for a five-year plan.

There is an ongoing evaluation plan in effect.  Each campus is “site-based” management and each principal is responsible for gathering information about his/her campus, as well as providing staff development.  There are meetings 4-5 times per year to assess the common problems and solutions.  The main problem that we have had is the staff development.  At the high school level, students arrive late one day a week so that teachers can meet.  The problem is that, though there has been a great deal of staff development, it was more about how to use software to gather information rather than to use it to teach.

Instructional technology and software. (2005, August). Springboard News, 14(1), Retrieved from The main focus of the Spring ISD instructional technology plan

EDLD 5306 Technology Assessments

Over the last few years, I have been required to complete the STaR chart on an annual basis.  Like other teachers in my building, I completed it as best I could but with no real knowledge of its outcome.  As I move into this new frontier (for me) of online education, the importance of the STaR chart comes into focus.  The state has required this information to force school districts to look at and evaluate, budget and reform so that the 21^st century students might have access to cutting edge technology.  Not only will the students have the technology to play with, but they will also have it to learn with.  “Resisting today's digital technology will be truly lethal to our children's education” (Prensky, 2008). Technology assessment is a necessary, ongoing process.  Our technology is moving ahead at whirlwind speed and we must keep up with it.  It gives needed information for district administrators to process as they budget and review their technology needs. 
The problem with the assessment is that many teachers do not take it seriously for various reasons.  Some do not assess their school or district accurately because they don’t care or because they do not like or agree with their administrators.  An example of this is my own district where there has been recent turnover in administration and staff.  Staff is leaving because of administrative decisions and the chart scores have fluctuated widely as a result. So, as important as technology is, so is the assessment cycle.  It is, however, flawed. 

Prensky, M. (2008). Adopt and adapt: shaping tech for the classroom. Edutopia: The George Lucas Educational Foundation.