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? As the educational technology campus facilitator, the outcome for this course was to learn about a variety of aspects related to the utilization of technology for the enhancement of learning and teaching while assisting teachers on the incorporation of technology into their classrooms and curriculum. Additionally, I envisioned this course to provide a better understanding of the theories and methodologies associated with the incorporation of Web 2.0 technology and tools into the classroom. Gaining a better understanding of the various learning theories such as constructivism and connectivism will better aid me in providing the necessary professional development opportunities for the teachers on my campus. In addition to gaining a better understanding of learning theories, I envisioned this class to provide opportunities to new learning into practice. Additionally, I envisioned that this course would provide information that would spark my curiosity in areas in which I could develop an interest and choose to study further.

The aspect of the course that I found most beneficial was in the creating of the group project. Through the collaborative efforts of a group of five colleagues, I was able to combine a number of Web 2.0 tools, UDL Lesson Builder, Book Builder, Google Docs, and Google Site to complete the group project assigned in the course. The readings from the various authors as well as information presented in the videos game me a better insight into the processes needed in the completion of the group project. Through the completion of the group project, I was able to better plan how this new knowledge would be presented to the staff. The use of the UDL and Book Builder will provide avenues for teachers to explore that will best assist in meeting the diverse needs of all the students in their classrooms. The use of Google Docs and Google Site will allow an avenue for the staff to collaborate on how technology is being incorporated into their classrooms.

The organization and outcomes of the course were what I expected. My expectations for this course were to be introduced to the various Web 2.0 tools available to teachers and how those tools were integrated into various content areas. The selection of articles, lecture materials, textbooks, and assignments provided me with an opportunity to better organize how I will assist the teachers on my campus as they integrate technology into their classrooms. Additionally, the information presented in the course will be a rich addition to Professional Development opportunities on the campus as teachers collaborate on the incorporation of technology into their curriculum. The materials introduced during the course is now a resource available to myself and my teachers as we undertake the challenge of creating technology rich activities that best meet the educational needs of the diverse student population within their classrooms so that students develop skills that will best help them succeed during the 21st Century, not only in higher education settings, but also in the work force.

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 found the lectures, journal articles, discussions, and assignments presented in this course to be very relevant to the work that I do on my campus. I have been better able to understand the diverse needs of not only the staff on my campus, but also the diverse learning needs of the students. Through the CAST website ([]) I learned that the diversity of learners in our classrooms is more diverse than in years past, a single classroom may include students with emotional and behavioral issues, ADD and/or ADHD challenges, ELL learners, and students with visual and/or auditory difficulties. As David Rose from CAST states, the way we learn is as different as our DNA and we should address three brain networks, recognition network, strategic network, and affective network. Recognition network addresses the “what” of learning, strategic the “how” of learning and affective the “why” of learning.

My job as educational technology campus facilitator requires that I assist teachers in integrating technology into their classrooms and into their curriculum. This may be accomplished through the use of collaborative efforts as teachers attend one-on-one training and professional development opportunities within the district and on campus. The information obtained during the course introduced me to a variety of Web 2.0 tools and methodologies that will help teachers as they integrate technology. Additionally, the expected outcomes of the class helped me solidify my beliefs that we as educators owe it to our students to not only provide a content based education through the teaching of mathematics, social studies, reading, language arts and science, but to teach students the skills they will need to obtain, process, analyze, and communicate the vast amount of information available to them. Providing technology rich activities will provide students with these skills.

3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? During the five weeks of this course, all objectives and assignments were achieved. I was able to weekly update my wiki and blog, complete the UDL assignment, create a book on Bookbuilders.com, and complete the group project successfully. No difficulties were experienced in completing the assigned class work and assignments. I was able to successfully create assignments and assessments that addressed the diverse needs of a classroom, visually impaired, hearing impaired, English Language Learners, Special Education students, gifted and talented students, and mid to low learners. Working collaboratively with my colleagues on a group project helped me to develop skills in working with collaborative tools such as Google Docs and Google Sites. Through the assignments, I was given the direction in which to proceed in best assisting the faculty with the integration of technology into classroom teaching and curriculum.

As a reflective exercise, a weekly assignment of updating our wikis provided an opportunity to practice and utilize the collaborative power of this Web 2.0 tool. I feel more confident in helping teachers incorporate this tool in their classrooms. Given the opportunity to work on a collaborative project has helped me develop skills that will be beneficial for teachers as they begin utilizing wikis, blogs and social networking as part of their curriculum. The resources in Pitler’s //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works// and Solomon and Schruym’s //Web 2.0 New Tools, New// Schools, will be an invaluable resource for faculty and staff as they collaborate in developing lessons that will meet the educational needs of the students in their classes.

4. Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? I feel that throughout the course, I was able to complete all required course assignments. Information from the required readings was very informative and beneficial in helping me understand the objectives outlined for this course. I enjoyed the discussions and being to collaborate with my colleagues in the completion of our project. One of the assignments that I found a bit frustrating was in the creation of the book on the Bookbuilder.com website. I found that this tool would be a tool that would be more beneficial for students in lower grades. The collaborative project was an excellent learning experience, but I became a bit frustrated waiting for all members to complete their portions of the project. Of all the required assignments, the updating of my wiki was the most enjoyable. I enjoyed summarizing new learning and posting it.

5. What did you learn from this course … about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes? Through the completion of this course, I learned from the numerous readings and videos from CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) the necessity in addressing the needs of “non-traditional” students through the use of technology. Additional learning addressed the three brain networks, recognition network, the “what” of learning, strategic network, the “how” of learning, and affective the “why” of learning. The importance of providing multiple choices for non-traditional as well as traditional students should be addressed when creating technology rich assignments. As I completed the readings, videos and assignments, I believe that it is important to lead by example. If we expect teachers to incorporate technology into their classrooms, administrators must model this in their day to day operation of managing the school. Being a student again has given me a better understanding of what teachers experience as they incorporate new technologies into their classrooms and curriculum. I believe, we as educators have a lot to learn to prepare teachers in being effective and efficient users of technology in their classrooms. With a willingness to learn, being flexible to change, and believing in our abilities as educators, our students will be able to meet the challenges they face as they pursue their education and lives in this information rick 21st Century. We owe that to our students.