Final Reflection

For this course I envisioned myself achieving a greater knowledge regarding The Technology TEKS and how they should be properly implemented within all areas of curriculum. I also expected to gain further knowledge in new technologies and how I can use them in meaningful ways to enhance curriculum as well as help teachers to implement them in their own classrooms. I believe that within the scope of this course my learning far exceeded my initial expectations.

The knowledge that I have gained from this course will aid in my competency as a school leader, however, it has also enhanced my abilities in my current position as a second grade teacher. Before this course I was not aware of the Texas long Range Plan. The Texas Long-Range plan started in 2006 and moves into 2010. With the implementation of phase 1 the state expects in 2020 that learned should all be engaged in real word learning that uses up to date technologies. I have begun to think much differently about how necessary it is to use technology in my classroom. Because we live in the 21^st century teaching is not what once was. We live in a digital world in which educators must strive to keep up. Technology is a skill that must be acquired in order for students to be successful and to keep our nation successful. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to prepare my students for the future technology demands in the workforce. As a future school administrator I realize that Educator Preparation is the most important in regards to meeting the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology. Educator preparation and development is critical to properly implementing technology in schools. According to the Campus Statewide Summary, teachers should have access to many professional development experiences. Administrators should make sure that technology is properly integrated in meaningful ways.

According to the learning objectives I feel I attained all learning goals. I fully understand the components of the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology and I am able to identify standards that guide the use and integration of technology on my campus. As a leader I am aware of the needs of 21^st century students, and have the tools necessary to examine different data sources so that I can make informed decisions about technology. With this course I will be able to facilitate the design and implementation of curricula and strategic plans that enhance teaching and learning; alignment of curriculum, curriculum, and assessment; and use of various forms of assessment to measure student performance.

Although I hit a few obstacles I was able to fully and competently complete assignments. Blogging was one of my obstacles in which I overcame and helped me to see the benefits it can provide in classrooms. Blogs in the 21^st century provides students with access to knowledge that they otherwise would not be able to obtain. There are numerous educational benefits of blogs. Blogs are can be motivating to students, especially those who otherwise might not become participants in classrooms. They are opportunities for students to read and write. Blogs are also effective forums for collaboration and discussion, and tools to enable scaffolding learning or mentoring to occur. One example of blogs enhancing education that sticks in my mind is the teacher who was able to have an author answer student questions after they read their novel. It can be difficult to have an author come to a campus because of the cost, time, geography etc. This is a great alternative, and can be motivational and inspirational for students. Blogs can replace school websites or be an addendum to one as well. Blogs are a great opportunity for principals to quickly post news items for their school communities. Upcoming special events, recent awards won by students or staff, classroom highlights, reminders, lunch menus, extracurricular activities, deadlines, and other newsletter-type items are extremely well-suited for blogs. Community members and stakeholders often are interested in the progress of a school's ongoing activities. Examples might include building a new facility, implementing new curricula, hiring new staff, and trying to pass school initiatives. Regular posts to update stakeholders on the progress of these types of activities can go a long way toward building positive rapport and keeping community members informed.

Although there are so many benefits of blogging, with the technology come the downsides. Because blogging is a public form there isn’t any privacy, therefore, cyber bullying is an increasing problem. Another obvious problem is that there are many students who do not have access to the internet or computers from home. As professionals it is our responsibility to teach students netiquette, and to take comments seriously about any cyber bullying there may be. We also must educate our students about how important it is not to post personal information on the web, and finally school leaders must be creative with school budgets and understand the advantages of technology in classrooms.