assignment 5-Reflections

Marion


Assignment 5



This course has been eye opening. I have learned things about technology that I did not know as well as received a new perspective on the advantages and uses of technology in the classroom. Going into this course I was not sure what to expect. My outcomes were basic, to find a new way to use technology in my classroom. The outcomes that I have were more widespread than they originated. I found not one new use for technology but many. I learned things about copyright laws that I did not know, as well as innovative ways to teach students using technology.

These skills are not only beneficial for when I become a principal but are also things that I can use every day in my classroom. It is imperative to be able to intrigue students and really reach them on their level. Technology is one way to do this. Finding new innovative ways to reach students is important but through this course I have also been inspired to use technology to find new ways to communicate with my parents. I liked that we created a blog for posting assignments. Prior to this class I had created and used a blog weekly in my personal life. I used to keep family in other states updated on our family and my kids. I had not really given any thought to using one at school. I do currently post weekly newsletters for my parents on our school website but will now also consider using a blog.

Each week in this course we were required to read several articles. One of the things that I wish we could have read about was how other school fund their technology. I am currently teaching in a district that is behind in technology equipment. Our current principal is brand new. She would love to help us update and is taking measures to help purchase equipment but it is slow moving and not everyone in the district is on board. I would have liked to learn how other districts adjusted their budgets to provide for their schools. One of the skills that I learned was about the importance of the STaR chart. Every year I fill out the STaR chart as a classroom teacher and was unaware of the significance of my answers. Through this course I have learned not only of its importance but how to read the results. I also gained a significant amount of insight on the Long-Range Technology plan.

This course was very time consuming for me. The work load seemed large and was overwhelming at times. I am glad that I was able to finish this course and complete all of my assignments. I have never considered myself technology savvy. Although I am committed to providing the best learning environment for my students, therefore I am also committed to being a lifelong learner. Sometimes this means reaching outside my comfort zone to learn new things that will benefit my students. I also believe that my excitement for technology and its benefits and uses has grown. I love the feeling that you get when you have learned something new and you cannot wait to get back to your classroom and share it with your students. This class has provided me with this feeling about several technology uses. I know that the excitement will continue to spread as I am a Principal passing on what I have learned and the excitement that I have onto my staff.



The 21st Century learner knows more about technology than I do. I know that it is important to not only teach but to be a learner myself. Today’s students have much to learn but also much to teach. I can see the importance that blogs would have on older students (I teach Kindergarten) and there is a universal benefit for parents as well as staff in all districts. My concerns for blogging with parents are their ability to make comments. Where I always welcome parent concerns I feel that these are better addressed and handle in a conference setting. It does concern me that parents could take advantage of a free forum to make comments as they wish.



On the other hand I can see many benefits for the use of blogging with faculty and other school stakeholders. What a great place for professionals to be able to post ideas that others can use to benefit their students. I can see how this could enrich the learning that can be done.