When I began the Technology Leadership course at Lamar University, my expectations were to learn more about technology so that I could share that knowledge with fellow educators. My interest in technology had fueled my desire to learn more; however, having very little technology experience to begin with -- other than creating a PowerPoint presentation or Inspiration document -- I had not anticipated learning how critical the need is to incorporate technology into the curriculum for our learners. I have to say that I learned so much more from this course than I had anticipated. For instance, I had no idea that there is a Technology Plan in place at my school that embodies the ISTE standards. Frankly, I had never heard of the ISTE standards. Once I realized the document existed, it was initially hard to envision the impact of that document on education at our school because of our limited funds. This course helped me think outside of the box, see beyond the limitations and challenges we face because of lack of funding, and conceptualize the ways we can efficiently utilize the technology we now have.
Having acknowledged that our funds are limited and that I must be creative in my efforts to ensure that what little technology we have is put to good use, the challenge ahead does appear to be a daunting one. However, I now realize that the relevancy of, as well as the need for, a technology-infused curriculum has never been more acute. Our time-honored methods of modeling the teacher-centered classroom becomes more ineffectual with each passing year. Now that I am equipped with the knowledge that using technology effectively makes all the difference in learning outcome, there is no turning back. We must, for the sake of today's learner and our future learners, not only integrate but seamlessly infuse technology into the learning experience to the point that it becomes a natural and expected journey for every learner. Never has the need been greater for a shift from teacher-centered to student-centered learning, and I plan to be a part of bridging the gap between the past -- and our antiquate ways of teaching -- and the future, where we allow learners to connect with one another around the world, where they can experience firsthand the satisfaction of collaborating with their peers and taking control of their own learning. In this new vision of the education of our youth, teachers act as facilitators and learn along with the students, and thus begins the process of nurturing the life-long learner.
I cannot imagine putting any more effort into this course than I have; nor can I imagine getting more out of it than I have. My learning outcomes from this course far exceeded my expectations. I learned so much about our students that I had no knowledge of before this course. For instance, I now understand that students cannot process information in the way that I could when I was a child. Our students have been immersed in digital technology almost from birth, and they have taken it for granted as a means of communication and learning. I still have memories of my grandmother's black dial phone that was extremely heavy and had a short cord, necessitating its permanent location. Now just about every student has a personal cell phone. It now makes sense to me that their thought processes have adapted to the surrounding digital stimulus. It is no wonder that they come into the classroom and tune out the teacher. We are not communicating in their language. I am excited about the possibilities and anxious to become a vital part of developing the type of technology-driven curriculum that meets the needs of today's learner.
As I carried out the course assignments, I doubted myself along the way. For example, it took me many more hours to set up my Wiki and my Blog than I had initially anticipated. At times I was a little unsure of the directions or what the expectations were for me as a novice. Putting in numerous hours on a task that appeared simple on the surface did, at times, prove a bit discouraging; however, it did not stop me from working at it until I accomplished the assignment. Having no previous technical experience proved a hindrance but not a deterrent. In some respects I do wish there had been a prerequisite requirement, so that I would have been prepared to accomplish the task in a timely manner; but on the other hand, I developed a sense of satisfaction -- though it took much longer than expected -- in having used a technology tool to create my own personal Wiki and Blog. The time crunch was uncomfortable and stressful, yet I was forced to learn something in a short time frame rather than drag it out indefinitely, which I sometimes have a tendency to do. I can only imagine how much quicker our students will be able to navigate and create online; and I look forward to helping pave the way for them to achieve their own technological accomplishments.
Taking an educational technology leadership course revealed some of my inner strengths and talents that heretofore lay dormant. For instance, I love to be creative and found that I could apply that love while creating my Wiki home page. I shared a bit of my love of nature in my introduction video. I found it easy and enjoyable to put my individual "stamp" on my work while meeting the expected criteria. Though my technology skills, in some eyes, would appear to be severely lacking, I did find the ability to "hang in there," even though at times I was unsure of what I was doing. My confidence in my own technology skills has been boosted by using some simple online tools to create what I had never heard of prior to taking this course, a Wiki and a Blog. My attitude has changed toward my school's student population. I better understand their apathy and the reason for their lack of effort. Do I feel like I can walk into school on Monday morning and lead my school into a new direction technology-wise? No. However, I now believe in myself and know that I have the ability to continue to learn how to step into a technology leadership role. My site mentor and technology coordinator believe in me, based solely on a review of my "Technology Plan." They have no idea what I've been able to accomplish in the past five weeks. I am looking forward to taking the next step in my journey toward becoming a technology leader at my school.
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