Course Reflections for EDLD 5306

For this course I had envisioned that I would learn how to use new technology.  I also envisioned that I would be able to use some of this technology in my classroom.  I think that those outcomes were achieved because I learned how to use technology that I can apply to my teaching.  Many of the tools that I learned to use were fun.  I was learning about something new, but at the same time I enjoyed what I was doing.  I think that the students would enjoy using technology in their classrooms more often.  I will definitely be taking a more proactive role in using technology in my classroom.   One thing that I didn’t realize at the start of the course is that after completion of this course, that I will be able to take the Principals exam.  That was definitely not something that I envisioned, but I am glad to know.

The outcomes that were achieved are definitely relevant in my current position as a middle school language arts teacher.  In this position, I am constantly working on projects and looking for new and interesting way to making learning fun.  In the past five weeks of this course, I have learned something new every week.  Each week I applied what I was learning to my current position because I want to make sure that what I am learning will be relevant for the classroom.  I can just envision the students actively engaged in the many projects that we will be doing.  They will not only be learning the expected objectives, but having a good time doing it.  As it has been said before, these are 21^st century learners. They are definitely going to thing that working with technology is more interesting, than working with paper and pencil. Also, I have learned about tools for technology that my co-workers can use.  For instance I have come across some interesting things that I have passed along to my science and math co-workers. 

I don’t think that there were any outcomes that I did not achieve.  Being that this was my first course in the Educational Technology and Leadership program, I had a very limited view on what to expect in the course.  What I did expect did happen.  I wanted to be exposed to different technology, and there were many new things that I learned.  I think that if I had to pick one thing that I don’t fully think that I achieved, it would be the leadership aspect of the course.  I feel like I still need to know more about that, but I think that will come as I continue through the program.  I just feel like we just started getting into the leadership aspect and then it’s time for the course to end.  But I said, that’s not really a negative because I am just starting this journey and I will see more aspects of the leadership as I continue.  I’m hoping that I will also be seeing more tools of technology to incorporate into my classroom as well.    

I think that I was successful in carrying out the course assignments.  I’ll be honest, by the second week, I didn’t know if I was going to survive because it is very fast paced.  I thought about throwing in the towel because it seemed that as soon as I submitted one assignment, the next one was due.  I had to keep reminding myself that this is a semester course reduced to a five week course. It was not because the assignments were difficult,  I just had to learn to manage my time better.  It is kind of hard when you have a full time job and a life outside of working, but I was able to prioritize and I have gotten better, plus it has been a while since I had been in school.  I had to get my mindset right.  I think it’s going to get easier I continue throughout the program. 

I have learned a few things about myself since taking this course.  I have learned that there are so many new technology tools that I had no idea that existed and I thought I was pretty savvy when it came to technology.  I was wrong.  I learned that after a while people get set in their ways and only do what is comfortable to them.  I was one of those people. But no longer.  I am making it a mission to try to explore different ways to teach with technology in my classroom.  As far as leadership, I always shy away from it.  Not because I can’t be a leader, but because honestly some of the leaders that I work with leave a lot to be desired in the leadership field.  I don’t want to end up being like them, plus sometimes they are looked at as the bad guys by many teachers.  What I’m hoping is that I will be able to see leadership from some of their points of view after completing this program.