December 2009
As I began EDLD 5352, The Technology Link, I did not realize I would learn so much about technology in schools. I came into this course with no particular expectation because I am a novice when it comes to technology. You might say I was “blissfully ignorant.” Other than creating Word documents and sending email, I pretty much left technology to the experts. I did not realize I would be expected to create a blog--something I would have been hesitant to try on my own--nor to be able to intelligently discuss the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology. So, did this course meet my expectations? It exceeded them.
Specifically, I learned of the lofty but attainable goals created by a team of experts who penned the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, also called Vision 2020, because these goals are expected to be met completely by the year 2020. I learned that there are standards that drive the use of technology on Texas campuses. I examined and wrote about the four strands of Technology Application TEKS. I learned about blogs, wikis, podcasting, and RSS. I learned about the roles and difficulties principals face in making technology decisions. You might say I increased my vocabulary by some degree, all with technology-related words. I learned that most acceptable use policies are outdated and need to be revisited to incorporate web publishing policies. My knowledge that children need to be protected from online dangers was reinforced. The information I gained about copyright was valuable and interesting.
Is this new-found knowledge relevant to the work I do in my school? As a reading specialist, I teach children to read or to read strategically all day long. Part of teaching strategic reading is to teach students to be critical thinkers. This Technology Link course provided a foundation of knowledge that is based on critical thinking. Students absolutely must be critical thinkers in order to successfully use the technology tools they need in the 21st century. They must be able to discern fact from opinion, or a scam from a legitimate website. So, I unequivocally believe what I learned in EDLD 5352 is relevant to my work.
Will this knowledge help me in a future position? My hope is that it will help me in decisions I must make as a campus or district leader. I believe I am more equipped to make technology related decisions after having completed this course.
I still feel deficient in knowledge about infrastructure and funding, but I trust I will learn more in future courses about budget and money sources. As for infrastructure, I will continue to try to learn, realizing that I am not a technology expert. I will try to continue to learn about technology as my leadership role develops.
I have to admit I was nervous about attempting some of the assignments for EDLD 5352, because I had such precious little background knowledge about technology. I discovered that if I listened to the lectures, studied the articles and completed the discussions and reviews, all the information was cross-referenced, helping me to gain more confidence in the learning. I think that now with some background knowledge having been gained, I will not be so hesitant to try new technologies. I know I am an immigrant, but I can become a knowledgeable immigrant.
I believe blogs can be useful tools for professional development, especially for book studies or professional learning communities. The term 24/7/365 was used over and over in this course, and I believe all learning must be available anytime/anywhere. Teachers and administrators have precious little time to spend in meaningless, time-consuming meetings. Blogs are a perfect answer to the weekly staff meeting. If we must discuss something that’s important but not urgent, post it on a blog. Staff can respond more thoughtfully when they are in a relaxed setting.
Blogs can also be useful in that information such as powerpoint slideshows can be imbedded in them. I am sure there are numerous applications that I am not aware of, but the point is, that information can be ready and waiting on a blog. No need to take notes or minutes, either, as all the responses will be recorded on the blog itself.
In education, administrators and teachers must be first and foremost concerned with student safety and acceptable use of blogs. For educational purposes, they can be set up within the infrastructure of the district and not open to possible unwanted visitors. Among concerns are the possibilities that students posting on blogs might not be doing the writing or postings themselves. Students must maintain an honor system and any infraction would be difficult to prove.As a means of communication with stakeholders, blogs can be useful in providing stakeholders with a means of responding to news that concerns them. Blogging can provide a better understanding of parent concerns than, for example, Survey Monkey. However, unscrupulous parents or stakeholders might not filter their thoughts before posting, and there remains the possibility that some communications might be offensive. If there were a means of monitoring the blogs before they are posted, this unwanted situation could be thwarted before it could happen.
In sum, I learned some things about myself as a leader and especially about my knowledge and lack thereof, concerning technology in schools. I am happy to have gained greater knowledge about the Texas Long-Term Plan for Technology, and that all students are to be technologically proficient by 8th grade. I learned that there are many aspects of technology that a school administrator must be aware of. I hope to continue learning more about this interesting subject. Written by Glenna Cromer
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