This course allowed me to review technology that I had previously thought was unavailable for the masses as well as introduced me to a variety of new ways to communicate through different types of technology. Prior to the start of this course, I desired to learn more about the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, the Texas STaR Chart, document management tools, ways for teachers and students to collaborate and share their projects using technology and Internet safety. In the areas of the Texas STaR chart, Long Range Plan for Technology and collaboration opportunities using blogging, wikis and podcasting and Internet safety, I feel like I have been exposed to and learned a lot that is applicable to a leadership role. The course addressed a variety of information that is essential to be aware of when developing a technology integrated campus.
The coursework that I completed has given me the much needed information related to technology and its benefits. The in depth study of both the Long Range Plan for Technology and the Texas STaR Chart will benefit me greatly with relation to my job as the Vision 2020 grant manager as both of these programs played a vital role in our receiving the grant. Both of these programs are also part of the on going evaluation of our use of the grant funds. Also, with the implementation of the laptop grant, the knowledge I gained regarding the collaboration opportunities with the use of blogging, podcasting and wikis will allow me to train teachers and students on how to use these great technological applications to improve the communication between all individuals. With these new communication and collaboration tools also comes the responsibility to utilize the Internet safely. The Internet safety articles gave me many resources to share with the teachers, students and their parents to help teach and reinforce proper cyber ethics and safety when utilizing the Internet. This is vital now that each freshman student has 24/7 access to a laptop.
I struggled with more of the technical concept such as the document management tools, open source software and managing and assessing IT assets. These areas are things that I was neither familiar with nor able to wrap my mind around easily. I need more time to research and learn about these concepts in order to feel comfortable trying to implement them. Working with someone who is proficient in these areas would be a great place to begin my training.
Although I struggled with some of the information that was presented, I was successful in carrying out all the course assignments. All of the assignments were challenging in different ways and forced me to research the topics and discuss them with a variety of individuals on my campus. Seeking clarification and discussing what my campus had and didn’t have with regards to a long range technology plan was eye opening. These discussions prompted me to begin thinking of all the areas in which my recent knowledge due to this course would benefit many others especially those involved in the Vision 2020 grant. Although I was familiar with some of the content such as the Long Range Plan for Technology and the Texas STaR Chart in the assignments, it became evident that I did not have the required level of understanding or knowledge which is necessary for an individual in a leadership position.
Throughout this course I was made aware that many different styles and types of individuals are necessary in order for the use of technology to be successful on my campus. Success with regards to technology shouldn’t always be measured according to owning the latest gadgets but rather it is a team whose goal is to utilize technology to create positive learning opportunities for students. The team of teachers that I work with on the Vision 2020 laptop grant is full of these types of individuals. This course has given me plenty of information to share and discuss with them. Because we are working together, I do not feel that I have to know more than they do but rather I must be willing to share these new ideas and then collaborate to reach the best outcome. The leadership role may change hands many different times as those individuals with the most expertise share and teach their peers. This includes both teachers teaching students and teachers as well as students teaching students and teachers. As long as I maintain a positive attitude and am willing to expand my views concerning technology and leadership, the possibilities are endless.
Blogging has a wonderful educational value for the 21st century learner. It is an exciting way for individuals to share their projects and communicate with others both in and out of their normal circle. Blogging also allows for easy peer review for students and teachers and makes bringing in experts and mentors from outside the classroom easier (Richardson, 2004, p. 11). Often students are not excited about peer reviews but when done on the computer for others to see changes their attitudes more times than not. In addition, many times resources are limited but with blogging many new opportunities to “bring in” professionals arise.
There are concerns that present themselves when the discussion of blogging is brought up. Safety is a key concern when presenting and sharing information over the internet. It is essential that both students and teachers understand and embrace the responsibility of posting their information on the internet for all to see. We must protect our students with thoughtful teaching and clear policy (Richardson, 2005, p. 48).
Blogging is an easy and accessible way to communicate with my school stakeholders. It allows for collaboration with a large group of individuals without them being in the same room. Being able to share information and ideas wherever the Internet is available, allows for more individuals to be involved. At school, input from a diverse group of individuals will ensure that more of the community base is represented regularly. It also gives a way to track comments so as to change and build based on the input provided by the stakeholders. If the stakeholders see how technology can be used to better both their children and the district which they attend, their support of technology integrated instruction will soar. The stakeholders commitment to and support of technology will encourage school administrators to continue to add to and build the school’s technology resources.
Richarson, W. (2004). Blogging AND RSS. MultiMedia & Internet @ Schools, 11(1), 10-13.
Richardson, W. (2005). Blog Revolution. Technology & Learning, 26(3), 48.
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