TwT+Reflection

Taking the course //Teaching with Technology// gave me the ideas and visions of ways to help integrate technology into the classroom. I imagined creating lessons and units using Web 2.0 tools and software already available to us and learning how to integrate those lessons into different curriculum. During this course, I have developed a better understanding of how to use wikis in a group project and how to assign different roles for each contributor. I have also created a better vision of how our Educational Technology Department can improve our staff development trainings. I have already implemented some of the suggestions in my trainings and have seen positive results. Using the Google tools during this class has shown me the power of collaboration among groups. As our group grew to know each other and trust each other, our project improved. The concept of using these tools in a project to help gain the knowledge of collaboration through Web 2.0 tools was a tremendous help.
 * 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?**


 * 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?**

A major role in my job description is training best uses of technology in the classroom. My knowledge on providing the training our staff needs to integrate technology has grown tremendously. I am conducting trainings that model the UDL goals of student learning: recognition, strategic, and affective. This has had a huge impact on the responses from my attendees. I have had many teachers express their gratitude of my diverse ways of explaining and teaching new concepts. To begin each session, I ask each individual participant what he or she knows about the session and what he or she expects out of the session. To wrap up the session, I have created an evaluation through Google forms that collect the participant’s reactions. Our department is now considering an organizational policy on how to do follow-up support for each of our sessions. We are breaking our sessions up into 3 – 2 hour sessions, giving us the opportunity to reflect on our uses of what we learned in the classroom.


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

As I read the articles for this course, I hoped I would learn more about integrating technology into all curricular areas. I have struggled with this goal in my job as a specialist. While I have knowledge of Web 2.0 tools and the software that the district has purchased, yet the time for creativity and lack of knowledge in all curricular area has been a constant struggle for me. I am working to gain a general knowledge of each curricular area, so I am able close the digital divide among our own teachers and students. Time constrictions have been the major factor and as such have constricted in depth discussions. Time constrictions have also prevented me from creating a complete book in the UDL Book Builder site. I did enjoy using all of the tools that the UDL site has to offer, I have found them to be time consuming and would be hard to convince a teacher to use those tools or lesson builders on a regular basis.

In looking back at the assignments assigned for this course, I feel I have been somewhat unsuccessful. I felt lost in some of what was required for the projects. I am a visual learner and like to see examples of what is expected. Submitting assignments with an unknown expected “visual” outcome was challenging. I am a perfectionist when it comes to projects and think I set the expectation level too high for myself. For instance using the book builder site, I wanted to do the entire story of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I wanted to add voice, prompts, images, and all the other bells and whistles it included. This required much more time than I had available, although I do see the potential that site has to offer. This class was by far the most demanding. We were required to do more assignments, more readings, and watch more videos each week. I did have to take advantage of the “grace period” that is offered in this class.
 * 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?**


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

Looking back at my performance in this class, I have learned a great deal about myself. When I have questions, I should ask, not assume. I have learned that juggling family life, class, and work is hard, but achievable. Reading and listening to the lectures, I have found that I was on the right track as a specialist in my district. I have mastered the skill of self-learning and relearning technology skills, and this course has given me confidence that I am on target with my goals for this district and with my knowledge in the Web 2.0 tools. I have used wikis for the past few years now, but have learned the power of collaboration amongst a group. The readings have helped me become a stronger leader in my department. As a leader in my department, I have the ability to give reasons as to why there is a need for Professional Development training sessions my department conducts or will be conducting.