EDLD 5306- End of Course Reflections

When I began my Master's degree in technology leadership, I thought I would be learning all about ways to incorporate technology in my classroom. I also expected to learn ways I could help others do the same. I definitely achieved these outcomes and many more. I learned that there is much more to technology than having a computer in the classroom. As educators we have to be able to integrate technology into our lessons. The mind of the student is changing and we have to be caught up.

These outcomes are completely relevant to the work I currently do. I am a middle school math teacher. Each student has their own computer that they may use in class and at home. The biggest challenge for our teachers is the feeling that everything they do in the classroom needs to be done on the computer. Teachers need to realize that there is more to technology than just using the computer. I feel like I now need to focus on making sure the teacher at my school are aware of the many uses of technology.

I did not know exactly what to expect when I began my courses. I really achieved the outcomes I thought I would. My biggest personal challenge is the fact that I am a full time teacher, a mother of 2 under the age of 5, and actively involved in my church. I had a hard time making sure I set aside enough time to get my classwork done to the best of my ability.

I started off strong in my coursework. I submitted assignments on time every week. Things were very busy at work with the end of the semester and the fourth week, I barely made it in time. I do not like turning in assignments so close to the deadline. I have enjoyed this class and have enjoyed reading the articles. I have learned a lot.

The biggest thing I learned from this course is that there is more to technology than just computers. I also learned that, as a teacher, I have to make sure when I am using technology, my students are engaged at all times. I need to make sure the technology I am using is useful and not just "filler" to say that I am using technology. Everything must have a purpose. I think through this course I found myself feeling more passionate about technology and how it could be used in the classroom. I think I could be a great leader and look forward to having an opportunity to do so.

Web Conference- Week 2

During the web conference I learned about all the opportunities that this program offered. I was excited to learn that not only are we preparing for the technology certification, but we are also preparing for principal certification as well. I also like how our internship is embedded in the program. I am looking forward to working through this program and seeing what my options are at the end of it all.

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National Education Technology Plan

The National Educational Technology Plan has been put into practice because technology is changing the way students learn.  Students are not being engaged in their classrooms.  What students learn and how they learn are dramatically changing and we, the teachers, have to adapt to this change.  


The classroom used to consist of a teacher lecturing and students taking notes in a notebook.  Classrooms have to adjust now.  Students need to be the center of the classroom and they need to learn how to become lifelong learners.  Technology needs to be a key component included in their classroom experience.  


Students are surrounded by a variety of resources.  Technology can bring all that information together into various media types.  Students need to be able to connect what they are learning, in regards to technology, in one class and be able to use it in many others.  By using technology, students will become more engaged.  They will be responsible for what they learn and it will be relevant to their lives.  This will help develop the goal of becoming lifelong learners.  


This plan is not put into place only for students.  Educators need to he able to use technology in their lessons as well.  Since technology is always changing, teachers need to attend professional development opportunities as needed.  This will set an example to the students that you can always learn.  Professional development does not always have to occur outside of the classroom.  Many times, teachers can learn best about technology by experimenting in the classroom and using it.  At times, teachers can also learn from students.  

School Technology Plan

The first technology goal  is to improve students academic achievement through the use of technology.  This is accomplished by integrating technology in the classroom.  Secondly, we want to insure effective access to technology for staff and students.  Teacher are to use technology as a tool to support learning.  They will also use it to increase communication with parents.  Teachers are also encouraged to use technology as a regular part of lesson plans to make sure students are exposed to a variety of technologies.  The third goal is to increase technology knowledge and use for all teacher and students.  By exposing students and teachers to various types of technology, we are able to demonstrate safe practices as well.  We are also able to show our understanding of various programs. The last goal is to increase productivity and efficiency through the use of technology by using technology to communicate effectively and creatively.  We also encourage the use of technology for research, problem solving and decision-making. 


Professional development is a key component to making sure the teachers feel comfortable and can practice what they are learning.  Teachers are encouraged to attend technology inservice opportunities.  There is also a technology specialist on campus to help teachers when they want to do something new in the classroom.  The technology specialist is also available to answer questions as needed.  The technology specialists also come into classroom and observe how technology is being used.  They give feedback of how you did and other types of technology that may be helpful in your classroom.


There are various assessments used to make sure students and teachers are using technology to the best of their ability.  Assessments are also used to help the school's technology specialists know who needs help, what programs to focus on, and what types of professional developments would be beneficial. 


The main funding for technology comes from student tuition.  Since I am at a private school, we are able to use some of our budget to go towards technology.  Donations make up a portion of our funding as well. 

Technology Assessment

Assessment is an important tool for both educators and students.  Without assessing what is happening in the classrooms, we wouldn't know what or how to change. 

I am lucky enough to work at a school with one-to-one technology.  Every student in grades 5-12 have their own laptop to use at school and at home.  The students are very comfortable with technology at their fingertips.  When teachers are resistant to this, they are doing the students and themselves a disservice.  

As educators, we need to be technologically literate.  We need to use what resources are available.  We need to be willing to learn new things.  We are required to be lifelong learners.  Students should also do the same.  Since technology is always changing, if we are not learning the latest and most effective of the technology we have, we will be way behind when the next wave of technology changes occur.   For those of us that are comfortable with changes in technology, it is our job to encourage and introduce new technology to other educators and students to enhance their classroom experiences.

The only con I can think of when assessing technology is that can be so broad.  There are so many components to technology and so many ways to do one thing.  It could be hard to determine what students and teachers are capable of doing. 

Assessments can be used in many ways to help us learn.  Technology is here to stay.  We need to embrace it!