Sunday, March 27, 2011
Web Conference May 27, 4:00
I finally was able to get into a web conference! It was very beneficial! Not only did it allow me to learn about another technology tool, it also provided an opportunity to collaborate with other students. The web conference consisted of Dr. Abernathy and 25 students. We discussed technology and how to incorporate it into the classroom. The web tool "Skype" was talked about. Many people did not realize your class can Skype other people. Skyping can be used as a virtual field trip; furthermore, many of people will Skype your class for free! Also, we discussed Web 2.0 tools and what they are. Many people discussed the use of blogs, I recommended slideshare. Slideshare is a great way to present documents. The discussion of cell phones was another topic of the web conference. I could not believe some districts are already using them as resources. In my district, cell phones stay put away in backpacks. Some of the web conference focused on course details and what can be done to better benefit the Lamar online graduate program. Several students did not want to continue the use of APA citation style. However, it looks like that will not be changing!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Web Conference Post
I have tried twice to log onto a web conference. I have had no luck getting into the conference due to full capacity. I think there should be more opportunities for web conferencing if it is going to be required, or I think the capacity limit should be raised. With only 5 or so web conferences offered, it is hard to fit it into your schedule when you have children and work full time. I have watched several of the web conferences from the links provided. They seem useful and provided me with insight into assignments and other questions. I hope to be able to get in the next time one is offered.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
EDLD 5352 Draft Plan Reflection
When reviewing the Draft Plan, I found much useful information. The Educational Technology Plan states that we will be clear about outcomes wanted, we will collaborate for effectiveness, efficiency, and flexibility, we will continually monitor for growth, and we will hold ourselves accountable for progress. The plan is to engage and empower al learners through learning experiences and technology. With assessments in place, we can analyze data and look at areas of strength and weakness. We can use this information to better learning experiences for all. Not only will technology benefit the 21st century learner, it will also benefit the educator. It will provide 24 hour a day, 7 days a week to help, tools, and resources. Models for continuous improvement will be able to all with growth in mind. Several goals are mentioned for students and educators. Learners will have the opportunity to participate in active, empowering, and creative experiences in our network society. Educators will be supported technologically to enhance the learning of students. We will us assessment for continuous improvement. Support will be able when and where students and educators need it. We will redesign the process an structures to improve technology and outcomes with more efficient use of time, money, and staff. Technology should be used seamlessly in the classroom, in all subject areas, for the support of the how students learn. Students are surrounded with technology in today's society, and we should capitalize on it. Professional development will be available to educators to support the learning of all students. The more support, the more technology will be effectively used. I do not see any issues or concerns throughout the plan. I believe this is a great start to incorporating technology in a seamless way throughout each school day. The goals and recommendations provide great insight into what needs to be done in order to have success. As an instructional leader, this plan is a great resource.
EDLD 5352 Progress Report
After reviewing the progress report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, I have concluded that technology progress is well underway. The report first analyzed student responses for various grade levels. I find it great that the use of student information was utilized for this report. All learners should have a say in their education and on giving feedback to the learning. There is no place better for information that from the student. You can also see how students responses change as they get older and progress. Their technology goes from basic use and video games, to used as a resources in the classroom amongst all subject areas. Next, teacher were surveyed through Speak Up. This gave teachers the opportunities to respond. The Technology Immersion Pilot and schools were analyzed and provided with updates. This program demonstrated higher technology immersion across all areas. The rest of the progress report goes into detail as far as individual school districts and regions. In most cases, technology is increasing in the classroom, as well as the expectations. Each area of the Texas Long-Range plan was reviewed and analyzed. Various charts and graphs demonstrate information found. The important piece is that we are holding teachers and staff accountable to technology standards and we are providing teachers and students with resources. We also pilot programs to see how effective they are and to learn from mistakes. This benefits all once they are implemented across the state. We are able to create new goals and programs to enhance the learning of students. The analyzing of all of this information brings about change, and change brings about growth.
EDLD 5352 Educator Preparation and Development
The area of Educator Preparation and Development stands out to me. I chose this area because it directly relates to me personally and to my campus. This area discusses professional development experiences, models of professional development, capabilities of educators, access to professional development, levels of understanding and patterns of use, and professional development for online learning. How are teachers learning how to use technology in the classroom? What ways are they incorporating technology in the classroom? How are we preparing educators? These questions sum up what this area is discussing in the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. The local districts, state, and nation are making progress in this area. With technology being a force in society, we have established groundwork for incorporating technology into curriculum. Teachers are being held accountable to technology TEKS and are being trained with various ways to implement technology across all subject areas. Learning is becoming more collaborative and interactive. The hold back is teacher preparation. We need to develop more professional developments that are hands on for teachers to become confident with the use of technology and equipment. Many times teacher are given the equipment, but are not confident in implementing the equipment in the classroom. This professional development should be on-going due to the ever fast paced technology society we live in. There needs to be a support system set up for teachers. This could include technology committee members, experts on campus, and or mentors. We must update the technology criteria for certifying teachers, the support for first year teachers, and the appropriate amount of staff development needed for teachers that are not technologically savvy. Technology support should be 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Rather it is on a hotline or online. Teachers may need support after hours and or on the weekends.
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