EDLD 5306 Course Reflection

Concepts of Educational Technology

When I first began this course, I envisioned attaining information regarding integrating technology, the use of technology in the classrooms and how to incorporate the technology in my classroom.   Although the course was a little overwhelming  than I envisioned it to be, I learned a lot about new tools necessary for collaborating and working more effectively  with colleagues, students, parents, and administrators.  Web 2.0 digital tools like blogging, social bookmarking, podcasts and Wiki Spaces proved to be valuable tools when integrating technology but require effective planning and time. I am in the process of implementing these tools in my classroom as well as throughout my campus. I become an advocate even though I have encounter opposition during this process due to some Educators do not feel comfortable with these tools mainly do to their lack of training and exposure. Persuasion and training of educators are key factors to help them get out of their comfort zone. Which will help schools align and comply with the Texas STaR chart and the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology. 

Concepts of Educational Technology surpass all expectations and outcomes that I envisioned of this course. It provided me with technology concepts and skills I didn’t even foresee were out there. I got acquainted with technology terms and processes like the STaR chart and how it relates to the Texas Ling Range Plan for Technology. Using and working with Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, RSS feeds and other collaborative tools had provided  me with opportunities to get familiarize with them and put them to practice. These relevant new skills have equipped me with a higher level of understanding in the technology world to be used to incorporate technology effectively in my classroom to improve student academic success. Now I have a better understanding that as a technology teacher I should make sure that I have the necessary tools to help all students bridge the technological gap that exists in our school campus.

I discovered that technology is not being correctly integrated in all classrooms in my school campus and teachers are not motivated to transition and do not know how to integrate this new digital tools in to their teaching. The need for adequate budgeting to provide the necessary upgrades for schools that do not have the necessary infrastructure, equipment and still not ready for this transition. I feel that I could promote and incorporate the use of online communities (wikis) to examine the challenges and obstacles that we confront both the educators and students in using technology successfully and effectively in the 21st Century. As there is an extraordinary need for more technology staff development and workshops. Necessary to provide educators with the knowledge and essential skills needed to transition to a  21st Century technology learning environment in our schools. I believe as Educators it’s our responsibility advocate for the implementation and promote change in old ineffective teacher center habits. 

Concepts of Educational Technology work and assignments were very demanding and required good planning and time management. At the beginning of this course I felt over whelmed due to the nature that this was my first experience taking a masters level course.  As time went by I developed the skills needed to fulfill all the assignments requirements. I still need to keep polishing my new acquired technological skills. I enjoy creating a blog and a wiki space and getting engage in the different board discussions. The combination of tools (videos, readings and links provided) used during this course were appropriated a relevant to today’s technologies been used and trends in the educational world. The web conferences gave us a sense of community as a group. Professor Borel kept us up-to-date, provided personalized help that made me feel more comfortable and eased my sense of frustration at times and built my sense of confidence to successfully complete the course.

I learned that time its precious and I had to stay focused to not fall behind.  I learned that even though I posses some experience in the technology world and try to keep my self up to date there were big holes and gaps in my knowledge. Also that is not enough to learn and acquire Technology knowledge you also need to be able to use, implement, collaborate on it and be engage in the process. Through out the course I discovered new digital tools such as Web 2.0 digital tools like blogging, social bookmarking, podcasts and Wiki Spaces proved to be valuable tools and how to integrate them to enhance my student learning skills. Concepts of Educational Technology help to change my attitude I realized that I have so much more to learn and I need to keep my self up to date with new resources and  using them in creative ways. To prepare my students with the technology skills that they will need to be successful in life.

William M Anderson E-Rate/STaR Chart Slide Show Presentation

William m anderson elementary school e rate s ta-r chart summaryd

View more presentations from Edwardo Marquez.

EDLD 5306 Blog Posting #3 – National Educational Technology Plan

The National Educational Technology Plan was released by the U.S. department of Education in November 2010. The plan is comprised of five goals: Learning, Assessment, Teaching, Infrastructure, and Productivity.

The plan provides a detailed model that paints a picture of what learning should look like. It emphasizes that students should be learning inside and outside of the confines of the classroom, and that technology should be used to provide students with learning experiences that are relevant and reflect the reality of their daily lives. Technology empowers students to take control of their own learning, while educators are to provide activities that meet individual goals, needs, and interests using a variety of technology tools. 

The plan states that educators are to practice connected teaching.  Connected teaching means 24/7 access to information regarding student learning.  Educators are connected to their students, to professional resources, and to analytical tools that provide insight into student learning.  As students engage in self-directed learning, educators are to become the facilitators and collaborators for their learning. Educators are expected to be involved in professional social networks that support their own learning as they attempt to enrich and strength their technological knowledge and expertise. Teachers should be given opportunities to participate in online courses and to help, collaborate, design and develop resources with other educators.

Budget funding is probably the greatest obstacle to this plan. The infrastructure of the school district will have to ensure 24/7 access for all of its students in order for the connected teaching goal to be successful. Our school buildings will need to be remodeled and updated to provide students with the latest advancements in technology equipment.  School districts will need to provide educators with extensive professional development that ensures students are being provided with individualized and differentiated instruction.

EDLD 5306 Blog Posting #2 – District Technology Plan

The Dallas ISD Technology Plan 

The Instructional Technology (IT) department of Dallas ISD managed the Title II, Part D,

Enhancing Education through Technology grant is one of the main initiatives awarded by the U.S. Department of Education for the 2009-10 school years. The grant provides funds to the district to facilitate improvements in the use and integration of technology as a part of educational delivery strategies employed by the district. The IT department applied the funding to four major program areas within the district: • Technology Integration Initiative is based on a three-year cycle where each Learning Community administrator identified the particular campuses to participate. The campuses are allocated points based on student enrollment to be spent by choosing from a menu of technology packages allowing campuses to choose the technology that best met their needs. For each technology package chosen teachers were required to attend training.• District-wide Technology Initiatives such as Dallas ISD Online a Blackboard Academic Suite software  geared to host district-specific online training applications for teachers. • Technology Fair provides a variety of workshops that targets key curriculum areas. Such as technology in: ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies and provides hands-on workshops and presentations gives teachers an opportunity to interact with their peers and learn new strategies and techniques on how to successfully integrate technology in their classrooms. • Services to Private Schools In connection with No Child Left Behind, Dallas ISD provide technical services to area private schools.

Each of these programs is carefully integrated as part of the district wide plan to prepare both teachers and students to embrace and integrate technology in the school, workplace and home. The District Technology Plan has evolved in to four interconnected educational goals. Each goal provides a solution to a specific area that, when combined, creates an environment where student achievement becomes the primary goal. The four goals are: 1) Academic, 2) Business Systems, 3) Infrastructure, and 4) Equitable Access.

Funded through Title II, Part D, Enhancing Education through Technology Education Program Budget $836,000 yearly.

Contact Ph.D. Tabiri Tabasuri 

EDLD 5306 Blog Posting #1 – Technology Assessments

As Technology develops in the 21st century digital era and world communications continues to change and evolve, there is urgency and requirements to ensure schools are assisting students become technology proficient. Developing initiatives to monitor educators' technology leadership knowledge and skills, districts and campuses can have an idea to diagnose and determine the skill level and implement solutions to meet this need. Texas assesses these skills and knowledge by using the State Technology and Readiness (STaR) chart. By using this assessment tool, campuses are evaluated in the following categories:

Key Area I Teaching and Learning: This category measures how technology is being used and implemented. Key Area II Educator Preparation & Development: Rates teachers based on their knowledge of technology and reviews continued professional development in regards to technology. Key Area III Leadership, Administration & Instructional Support: Targets administrators and leaders by rating what is being done to support educators and students in reaching their technology needs and goals. Budgeting is also part of this category. Key Area IV Infrastructure & Technology: This category reviews current equipment that is available on campus for students to use and helps determine if there is an adequate amount for each student, of equipment, school infrastructure up to date and what software and internet connections are available for student usage.

When different districts and campuses review and address each area they are able to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses and address each campus' needs to ensure student success is achieved. Effective assessment tools are a vital part of communicating with key decision makers, faculty and stakeholders what technology and professional development are needed.

EDLD 5306 Web Conference Week 2 - November 17, 2011

My First web conference

                                                 

I placed reminders about the web conference every where. It was so funny each time a looked around I will see one of my yellow sticky notes. I didn’t want to missed it or been late. When I arrived home and started making sure everything was working properly. I don’t consider my self a Technology virtuoso but I can figure my way around it. To my amazement the software used for the web conference adobe connects was very user friendly. Before the conference I was wondering how challenging the program will be but after been able to see my fellow classmates for the very first time (some look nervous like me and some look confident and at ease). I came to the conclusion that I am not alone in this journey and this is a necessary step I need to take in my professional life.

Professor Borel started the conference on time greeting the class and reminding us that she was going to press on to be able to cover everything she had on her agenda.  She covered the different requirements of the Masters program and stated critical components such as the internship, field base experiences and assignments and offered to answer any questions at the end. The conference went by pretty quickly and when it war over after getting all that information in to my system I felt overwhelmed.

As an Educator I understand the importance of the use of technology in the classroom for student learning and that we are in a very important time and place in history where you need to be technology savvy if you want your students to be successful.