Week 5 Assignment - Reflection

When I first explored this course titled "Instructional Leadership", I was very surprised to find it entailed the use and implementation of technology. This made me quite apprehensive, since I am not a digital native. Althought I am accustomed to using technology on a daily basis in my classroom, I did not consider myself very comfortable in branching out to the new learning devices. I tended to be efficient with basics like Word and Gradebook, but not exceptionally proficient in Powerpoint or Excel, and definitely not equipped for blogging or video-conferencing. This class has opened many new doors for me and my students as I embark on the integration of my new learning. I am excited about incorporating a blog in my next semester class project. This has been a work in progress as I have explored various options for the implementation of a blog with my students, since this has never been done on my campus. It was refreshing to see the Technology Director even become inspired to look for an assortment of ways to safely allow students access to exploration of this technology. It was also very exciting to see students become inspired as we begin preparation for an assignment that would not require the normal use of pen and paper. They are very intrigued by what this assignment will entail, as most have only heard about blogs and not actually experienced working and responding on one. I know this project could create some controversy with parents, but with the knowledge I have gained through this class, I will be able to substantiate the validity of the use of a blog in the technological world we live. It can also be supported via the technology TEKS as a necessary tool for the preparation of a student's survival in a fast-paced global world. I regret the fact that I am the first on my campus to attempt a new form of technology integration for my students, because the time it takes to work with administration can sometimes be a huge hindrance to a lesson. I would have liked to try even a podcast this year; however, the hurdles one must jump many times make it almost impossible to achieve a desired goal. This will leave me to continue my personal technology education and work towards integration of a podcast next year.

This course has taught me never to fear technology. I am much more comfortable with the use of different technology and even feel more knowledgeable with the terminology. Overall, this course created no insurmountable obstacles, as I was able to adequately complete the assignments. I know there were times when I would find myself becoming frustrated because things would not be quite as simple as I anticipated. I encountered a minimal number of issues with the blog that made me question whether or not I was on the right track. For example, the process of downloading the Powerpoint into the blog required me to make several attempts and use two different websites before it was successful. Another time I began to feel a certain amount of annoyance was during the attempt to place the Technology Action Plan into the blog. I had created a very efficient and easy to read table and was not able to "cut and paste" it into the blog. The information had to be typed and appeared very unprofessional and difficult to read. Being unsatisfied with the appearance of the table, I spent added time working to recreate and adjust the information to have it more user-friendly. This allowed me to create more patience for the world of technology, and become more aware of how added support of administration can create an environment of technology satisfaction. As a leader in school, I want to create a school climate where teachers do not feel intimidated to attempt the use of new technological devices or tools within the walls of the class. I know the role of an administrator must be one of great diversity, where they actively participate in the acquisition of funds for their campus technology needs. If administrators have a proactive approach to implementing new technology on their campus through staff development, maybe some of the frustration I felt could be eliminated.

Blogs appear to be the new way for the world to communicate. I never realized how popular this type of communication had become. I am more aware of the uses, and how many times they become monotonous journal entries for people. I did; however, become enticed by the educational use. This is definitely a way to actively engage students in discussion regarding their thoughts and opinions about a certain topic. A blog will enable students to not only respond to my teacher posts, but also encourage students to comment on other students' thoughts. This type of feedback will create students that are more aware of others' perspectives. Nonetheless, this can cause some apprehension from parents and administrators in terms of student access to these web-based blogs. This does pose issues as everyone is desperately attempting to maintain student safety on the Internet. Students must be educated and aware of what information can appropriately be revealed on the Internet, along with the fact that not everything on the Internet is accurate information. This is what generates huge obstacles for Technology Directors, as we try to incorporate this tool while dodging filters that provide student safety and parent peace of mind. Parents can gain an insight into their child's school day and certain activities as they are blogged in different classes. It can create a cross generational curriculum, either via the blog or face-to-face at home. Other stakeholders, such as the community and school board members, are able to get a glimpse into various classrooms throughout the school district.

This class has been an excellent opportunity to view and experience the newer technology devices digital natives are continuously accessing. I have gained more knowledge than I ever expected and anticipate great results as I begin incorporating new technology into my classroom and eventually onto my campus.