Reflection++TF+-+1+Technology+Operation+and+Concepts


 * // Reflection: TF-1 Technology Operation & Concepts //**

** Self-Assessment **

The main reason I decided to undertake my master in Educational Technology was that I have always had an intuitive feel for how software programs worked. My personal experience attending professional development sessions has taught me that it’s not only knowing how to navigate the software, but how to use it effectively in the classroom. If I expect to be a leader of teachers I need to model this effectively in my own classroom. In the past, I created basic power point presentation for my students to gather information, thinking I was ahead of the curve for instruction. Prensky states, “Let’s not just adopt technology into our schools. Let’s adapt it, …until we reach the point where we and our kids truly feel we’ve done our best.” (Prensky, 2008) Now I try to engage my students by having them work in groups researching on the computer, adding short embedded video to emphasize key concepts in lectures and encourage students to post to the course wiki. Using a variety of technology helps to insure that my students have opportunities to learn in the way that fits best for them.

** Learn as a Learner **

One of the ways that I’ve try to stay current with emerging technologies is by participating in various educational technology groups using Diigo groups. I receive daily updates via email when new articles are posted in the areas of teaching with technology. I also follow other professional Wiki’s, Nings, and Blogs to see what is current and new.

Data cited by Williamson and Reddish (2009), authors of ISTE’s Technology Facilitator and Leadership Standards, showed that a majority of teachers received basic training without an equivalent amount of curriculum integration training. (p.21). I found that to be true. Therefore, in my department we now go back after any professional development activity and try to find one way to integrate the training into the curriculum to reinforce the training.

** Lifelong Learning Skills **

As a lifelong learner, one of the areas that I feel I could benefit from further research is in understanding the hardware and network connections and the technical ability to manage and run a network. I also would like to increase my web publishing skills so that I could produce a more polished web site for my swim team. “Knowledge is power! Gaining a solid understanding of the Web and how sites succeed will allow you to make well-informed decisions about it use.” (Kaiser, 2006) I believe that it is the knowledge I gain from continual learning that will help me to stay successful in this field.

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

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. 1-32.

Kaiser, S. (2006//) Deliver First Class Web Sites: 101 Essential Checklist// Washington, DC: National Academies Press (1), pg. 6.