Reflection+TF-2+Planning+and+Designing+Learning+Environments+and+Experiences


 * // Reflection: TF - 2. Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences //**


 * Self-Assessment**

ISTE’s Standard II deals with facilitating changes in thinking about instruction, as teachers are assisted in learning how to plan and design instructional experiences that are infused with technology. For technology facilitators and leaders, performing the tasks as outlined in Standard II is a great need as effective technology integration is what most teachers have the biggest problem with. Williamson and Redish (2009), the authors of //ISTE’s Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards//, cite 2005 research which revealed that nearly 7 out of 8 teachers surveyed used technology for administrative tasks such as e-mail, recording grades and attendance. However, not even half of those surveyed had used technology as an instructional tool with students (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 34). While I am sure that these numbers would be slightly different today, I would guess that they would have not changed by much given my own experiences as an educator. Therefore, there is gap that exists which needs to be closed; hence the need for technology facilitators and leaders to address ISTE’s Standard II.

Technology has allowed me to open up my classroom. No longer do I take a “sit and get” approach to teaching. I have moved throughout the years from teacher-centered instruction to more student-centered. The paradigm shift was not quick, but my motivation to be a great instructor has pushed me to this change. The Leadership in Educational Technology Masters program has effected more change in my teaching style than ever before. Today you would see my students using Smart Boards, digital cameras and flip videos, to name a few, to accomplish their learning goals.


 * Learn as a Learner **

The Instructional Design course taught me how to think about instruction, students and technology. The Instructional Design course emphasizes the desired outcome of the lesson, and then designs the instruction to meet the goal. I have always used this method in my coaching but I really didn’t think to apply that to my classroom instruction. Once I applied this principal in the classroom, I’ve become more effective in my classroom instruction.

I’ve also learned in my Teaching with Technology course that I enjoy having the opportunity to work in a group; we are able to achieve so much more when working together. Gee makes the statement that “Next will be schooling that stresses the ability to solve problems, but not just to solve problems, but to be able to do it collaboratively so that you can work in a group where the group is smarter than the smartest person in the group, and also where you can be innovative with the tools you’ve learned and not just do standard solutions to problems. (Edutopia, 2009). I feel that I know that I can now effectively work with and assist my colleagues when designing learning experiences for students because I actually accomplished it myself and have applied it in my classroom.


 * Lifelong Learning Skills**

As I continue my journey of learning I know that there are many challenges ahead when dealing with students and teachers that I work with. Technology facilitators find themselves challenging beliefs about teaching and learning that have been held for many years by some teachers (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 38). I have learned that I need to practice patience with veteran teachers; they need time to mull over new ideas. I feel that research based theories will support my points as I help to assist other teachers and my students. I know that I had times when I’ve needed to be convinced that doing something different and new is going to have a positive impact and be beneficial. Working collaboratively was a skill I did not think I needed to do to accomplish my Masters’, however I discovered the benefits of collaboration when I actually did it. Collaboratively working with others is a skill that I feel needs to be cultivated and I believe it is a lifelong skill that I will continue to work on improving. This is exactly what I need to teach if I want to provide the best training experiences and support to my colleagues when improving their teaching practices involving technology.


 * References **

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education, pp. 33-55.

Edutopia.org (nd). Big thinkers: James Paul Gee on grading with games. Retrieved on 12/14/09 from @http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-james-gee-video