EDLD Concepts of Educational Technology Week 5 Course Reflections

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 first considered enrolling in graduate school, technology was not my first choice.  After careful consideration of the options, however, I came to the conclusion that I should be prepared for what the future of education will bring.  So, in trying to be prepared, I envisioned that this first course, being an overview, would not only show me the history of technology in schools, but prepare my mind for the major changes that are coming.  I also felt that the course would inform me about details of the degree program and certification tests associated with the degree.  I achieved some of these goals.  I know I am significantly more knowledgeable about the need for technology and technologists in schools.  I still feel confused about how these changes will take place.  I also feel unsure about dates related to courses and the overview of the course materials.  I also don’t know what will be on the Tech Apps certification exam nor how to prepare myself for it.

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?

I am better at my job because of what I have learned in this course.  I work as a magnet coordinator and the funds that I manage supply much needed technology and I also hired a technology specialist for my campus with magnet funds.  I was blindly purchasing and hiring when I first started.  Now I have a clear picture of what technologies are most important to get in the hands of the teachers and I know how to encourage the tech coach to help the teachers integrate by gently showing them the power of technology. Another great thing I have learned is that there are plenty of resources which will keep my teachers trained and motivated long after the money from the grant is gone and there is no tech coach or magnet coordinator.   I am better able to serve my teachers and students by knowing what relevance each technology has to the classroom.

3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?

I didn’t find out as much about the process of getting a Master’s degree as I had hoped from this course.  I think that as the course progressed I became more and more comfortable navigating the websites and courseware and wikis associated with the class.  One of the confusing points was the existence of two versions of each document and overview, one on the courseware and one on the class wiki.  Also, the names of the assignments sometimes had the date of the prior cohort in the name and I would double and triple check each site to make sure I was working with the proper document.  All of this led my mind into a state of insecurity.  It was such a relief each week to get my grades and see that I had figured it all out correctly.  My insecurity prevented me from researching all of the resources I had available.  I also could have looked ahead in the weekly assignments and been more prepared for the subject matter that was coming up.  I now have the comfort level to investigate further at Lamar utilizing the help desk.  One feature I was expecting was that of an advisor.  I would love to have a contact at Lamar who knows what to do when and how to navigate the coursework. 

4. Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?

I currently have an average of 95.5%.  I was able to achieve this level of success by following directions.  I guess that is why I was disheartened when the dates were wrong or I got points off.  My tenacity also allowed me to succeed.  For example, when Sarah counted off points for my e-rate presentation being missing on my blog, I tracked it down to a problem with google on the day she tried to view my blog.  I proved to her that I had, in fact, embedded the presentation on the correct date.  I received the points I deserved and my score rose from an 85 to a 98 for that assignment.  My husband said I was crazy for worrying about it since I still had an A average, but I was bound and determined to get the points I had worked so hard for.  Another thing egging me on is this little nagging voice I have in the back of my mind telling me that I have to prove myself.  I slacked off too much in college the first time around, and even though my parents have since passed on, I feel I want to show them that I really can get the top scores they always wanted me to get.  The thing that prevented me from getting 100% on most of my assignments was APA style.  I studied the book, and I feel I have a better grasp of the requirements now.  I appreciate Sarah giving me exact examples of the errors I made. 

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

The most important fact about myself that I discovered during this course is that I am an idealist.  I knew that I had a hard time accepting defeat, and that I didn’t tolerate coworkers who shirked duty very well.  I didn’t know that was called idealism, however.  Now that I have this label to put all of these feelings under, I can deal more appropriately with myself and others.  I also learned that just because I feel most comfortable with a particular training style or format that doesn’t mean that everyone feels that way.  I learned that I have to provide trainings which allow the greatest amount of flexibility for the learners.  Some people might just need to hear something once.  Others may want to be shown step by step instead of verbally.  This reinforces my belief that we have to differentiate learning so that many different types of learners can gain from the educational experience.