EDLD+5306+-+Concepts+of+Educational+Technology

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**EDLD 5306 - Course Embedded Reflections **
Concepts of Educational Technology provided an excellent foundation for developing a greater understanding of the intricacies associated with technology in an educational setting. The anticipated outcome included knowledge of classroom integration and the guidelines that govern educational technology.

By the end of the course, I had exceeded my preconceived ideas. The week one activities covered my anticipated outcomes as it allowed me to explore the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology and analyze our Campus and District STaR Charts. I have known for several years, that our district seemed to be slow in integrating technology, but actually seeing the results on paper, realizing that the majority of our campus ranked early tech or developing tech in almost every category, was heartbreaking (Texas STaR Chart, 2007-2008).

The weekly reading supporting the concepts introduced in these documents strengthened my understanding. One aspect that I was not expecting was the introduction to the Web 2.0 tools. Although I knew about blogs and wikis, and open source software, I was not fully aware of their value in a classroom setting. Thus, I think it is fair to say that the outcomes achieved from the course not only aligned with those envisioned, but exceeded them. Outcomes such as an understanding of the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, Technology Application TEKS, and Web 2.0 tools are relevant to all aspects of my current position.

Realizing that our students fall into the category of digital natives, a term coined by Mark Prensky, which describes them as fluent users of technology and individuals who are comfortable living in the digital world; and that most of our teaching staff, could be classified as digital immigrants, lifted the fog that was clouding my view of our current campus situation (Prensky, 2006/2007). It will soon be my job to help bridge the gap between the two groups. In January I will take on the role of instructional technology specialist for our district. In this new position, I will work closely with teachers, technology staff and administration.

It will be my responsibility to provide our teachers with support, technical training and professional development to enable them to seamlessly incorporate technology into their classrooms. I will strive to follow the advice of Eric Jones in his article Strategies to Put Instruction Ahead of Technology and approach all staff development and training from an instructional, rather than technical point of view (Jones, 2007)

Prior to this course, I would not have been effective in this new position. I would have entered into this role with a single-sided view of educational technology. The information presented throughout the course provided a wider perspective, including that of technology staff, administrators, teachers and students. This knowledge will be invaluable to me in my new position.

References: //Texas STaR Chart.//(2007-2008). Retrieved November 2009, from Texas Education Agency: []= Jones, E. (2007, February). Strategies to put instruction ahead of technology. //Principal Leadership//, pp. 35-38. Prensky, M. (2005/2006). Listen to the Natives. //Educational Leadership, 63//(4), pp. 8-13.