EDLD+5364-+Final+Assessment

 =EDLD 5364 Final Assessment=

1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?  When I began this class, I really thought we would be receiving strategies and tools for technology implementation in the classroom. The required textbooks were instrumental in providing such resources. As the class evolved, the strategies and tools became real. I worked with three other teachers to create lessons with technology strategies. The collaboration for this group project allowed us to share and learn from one another.

My scope of vision for creating a teaching unit complete with technology was so small compared to our end result. In the end, we created a group web site, organized for the educator. We have provided a teacher with resources, assessments, activities and lessons. We incorporated our Google docs and collaborative chats, as well as reflections to the entire process. I am proud of our group and what we were able to accomplish. I feel like I can take what I have learned from this course and apply it in my own school with my peers.

2. To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?  The scenario stated that we were technology directors and asked to help a teacher, having minimal computer skills, incorporate technology into a unit of lessons. This was possibly the most practical course I have taken because it is the most crucial need of my school right now. At our school, we are fortunate to have every piece of technology we want in our classrooms, yet our teachers are not utilizing it to its fullest potential. One reason we have this problem is lack of professional development. The second reason is that we do not have a technology director who helps the teacher.

This course would be a wonderful tool for professional development for our staff. Our faculty would benefit from web videos providing demonstration for various forms of technology. They would also benefit from web links, presentations, podcasts; all resources that would help them understand technology and its benefits for today’s student. Throughout these five weeks, I have emailed several of the Edutopia videos that I believe will help our faculty understand the benefits of teaching with technology.

3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?  I truly feel like I got so much more out of this class, than I anticipated that there is little I did not achieve. However, I did not read the __Using Technology With Classroom Instruction That Works__, from cover to cover. For my weekly, readings I typically skimmed the material. I always found useful information and often times within the reading I found strategies and ideas that were new and exciting, tools that I wanted to implement into my classroom. I may not sit down with the textbook and read it from cover to cover, but I will use it as a resource for me and how I can better integrate technology into my classroom.

Time management is such an issue in today’s world. People are busier and more involved than ever before. I believe technology plays a role in this problem, as well. Because we have access to information and resources at the tips of our fingers, and our feedback can be instantaneous, we are slaves or addicts to the technology. In order for learning to occur, sometimes we might need to just sit back and enjoy a good book, like the required text for this course and see what it has to offer us.

4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?  This course required an enormous amount of time for me. I had to carefully manage my time between work, family, church and community involvement and graduate school, in order to turn in quality assignments. The assignments were all beneficial and relevant to my job. There was not a reading assignment or video lecture that did not pertain to the course and the course goals and outcomes.

My group is made up of over achievers. None of us settle for less than the very best. We were all diligent to our own assignments, and those of the group. We worked very well together, offering constructive criticism, praise and understanding. These qualities all contributed to the success of our group in completing all the course assignments accurately and on time. Time was an issue for each of us, but we all acted professionally and participated 100% in our group chats, Google docs and Google site.

5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?

I have never been the best “team player”. I am more of a “do-it-myselfer”. Therefore, often times, it is hard for me to release important projects, assignments, tasks or jobs to others. I love collaboration. I love hearing about other people’s ideas and successes and sharing with educators, but when it comes down to the work, I would rather do it myself.

This course made it possible for me to successful as a team player and as an individual. Through these five weeks, I have grown in my team skills. I have become a better listener, more apt at delegating responsibilities and have acquired a more patient demeanor. These better-improved skills have also become prevalent at my job. I am thankful for courses, such as this one, that requires group work, to not only teach me new knowledge and skills, but also perfect the skills needed for collaboration. Learning is a lifelong process and so is self-reflection. As educators, it is our job to continue to learn and reflect to ensure our students get the best of us.