When I first began this course, Instructional Leadership, I envisioned learning more about instructional strategies to use in the classroom, as well as the campus. I did not expect to learn about technology or how it is necessary for the classroom. Once I realized that we would be learning about the importance of integrating technology into the classroom, I decided to set new outcomes for the course. My goals were to learn about the importance of technology in the classroom, as well as how to encourage faculty to integrate technology into the classroom. I also wanted to learn about the latest and greatest technologies, as well as how to beneficially use them in classroom instruction. I also wanted to completely understand the technology state standards as well as the purpose of them. The course aligned with most of my outcomes that I had envision, however some of the new information is still unclear.
The new information that I have learned has proved very beneficial to my instruction. I have learned the importance of technology and how it relates to our students. As a teacher, I need to remember the learning needs of the students. They are emerged in a active technology environment everyday. In order to keep our students engaged, we must teach them in the best way that they learn. As an active technology leader, I also should encourage other teachers within my department, to incorporate technology into their instructional routine. I can do so by giving a presentation on the information we have read about, as well showing them the importance of technology. Encouraging others to incorporate more technology into the classroom will ensure greater success for our students. Technology is shaping, and will continue to shape the world we live in. School personnel must prepare our students by integrating technology in the classroom.
I am still unclear on the technology standards set by the state, as well as the NET*S standards. I was also very confused at completing the technology action plan. In reviewing others' assignments on the discussion board, I felt that many assignments were very different. Others posted that they were not sure that it was correct. If many were confused, then I feel that the assignment instructions and details were lacking. It was hard to understand what the action plan was asking for. I am worried that the lack of understanding for the technology action plan will detriment my internship portfolio. I think it would be beneficial for there to be a example technology action plan on the resources section of Brighton program. It would have also been beneficial for us to have clear questions to ask our interviewees. I know that some ideas were sent through email, but scattered information makes it hard to get the assignment completed in a timely matter. I am not complaining, but it just frustrating to try and finish the assignment on time.
I was successful in all of my assignments, despite the lack of confidence I had in submitting some of them. I felt very comfortable with the blogs and was happy we took the time to learn how to do that. It is definetly a adapted instructional technique that I will incorporate into my lessons in the future. As I stated above, the lack of clarity in the technology action plan assignments made me feel incompetent with the material I was dealing with. My grades proved opposite of what I believed, maybe I just lack confidence in myself. I might have a better understanding than what I think and could have gotten worked up over small matters. I just believe that if there was a sample action plan to read and go by, I would have felt more confident about my submission. I hope that this suggestion could be implemented in the future for other students.
I have always understood the importance of technology in the classroom. I am a younger teacher and sometimes get frustrated with comments made in departmental meetings. We all know the individuals who are veteran teachers, and set in stone with their "tricks of the trade." It is agrivating to hear them say that they are not going to change their instructional routines for today's students. They are clearly missing the importance of being a teacher. A teacher's job description is to prepare students for their future. Not to do what is easiet for the teacher. If that means that a teacher needs to attend multiple trainings to become familiar with today's technology trends, then so be it. Teachers need to be prepared for the students. Technology is not the devil to education, it is a vital asset to the learning community. I have learned that I am an open minded individual, which will more than likely benefit my in my future plans to become an administrator. There are some individuals at my campus who are also taking classes in this program. The difference between them and myself is that they have a negative attitude towards any change. To be an effective leader, you must be able to accept and adapt change.
As I mentioned earlier, our blog was a vita learning tool for this class. I had never blogged before this class, or had the desire to do so. I thought blogging was for those who had ample time on their hands and wanted to share their ideas and thoughts with the world. When we received the first assignment to blog, I was hesitant. Once I began to set up the account and write, I actually enjoyed it. I plan to use blogs in the future for my instructional routine. I will be able to teach students how to create a blog, use a blog and demonstrate the importance of validity and the internet. A blog would be the perfect way to teach students how anyone can create information on the internet. I would also be able to work on students grammar, punctuation and overall writing style for the blogs. Blogs will become a vital asset to our world, especially as technology progresses. It is a free and easy way to publish information.
As always, there can be a negative side to blogging. Inappropriate or detrimental things can be written in blogs. If teachers lack the patience to teach the courtesy and rules of blogging, the process could backfire on you. If teachers are going to use blogs in the classroom, they have to teach every element in blogging. The teachers must also actively monitor blogs. Students could be saying inappropriate things as well as harming or threatening another individual. Students must also be taught that anyone can create a blog, and may put information in their post that is harmful to others. Those individuals may not mean to be harmful, but are expressing their feelings. Teachers need to instruct their students of cyber ethics and the responsibilities of being a cyber citizen. Teachers would never want one of their students to go home and create a harmful blog. Parents would ask were the student learned how to do that, and of course they would respond "at school." Then the teacher and administrators could be at fault for lacking instructional cyber ethics.
A great way to use a blog for school stakeholders would be to create a blog for your class. I could post today's topics and key elements of the lesson. There could be tips for success as well as tips for homework. This would be great for students and parents to access from home. If a student told a parent that they did not learn anything at school today or did not have any homework, the parent could check on the teacher's blog. The parent and I would be able to create an active relationship through the blog. If students or parents had questions about an assignment, they could always post the question. I could tell the students that I will check my blog at
8:00 PM and respond to all questions at that time. This would be a great way to communicate with school stakeholders as well as integrating technology into the classroom.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Week 4
iPods in the Classroom - Teachers will gain ideas for using iPods or any MP3 player in the classroom. Teachers will discover how this popular technology can increase learning understanding.
Smart Board Training - This will provide teachers with the necessary training to operate and use the many features of the Smart Board.
Interactive Power points - Teachers will learn how to create interactive power point lessons, games and webquests to use in the classroom.
Using the Computer for Cooperative Experiences - Expand cooperative learning through technology. Explore different types of online experiences: blogs, tele-communications, and project based learning.
These professional development sessions were created in response to the lack of technology in the district. There is a lack of technology integration in the campus and district plans. With appropriate funding and training the district will be able to increase technology use around the district. All four professional development sessions reflect the need for integration of technology in the classroom.
Data Collection in the Classroom - Teachers will learn to interpret data from benchmark and other standardized tests to apply to instructional strategies.
The "Data Collection in the Classroom" professional development is to address the need of teachers understanding student data and how to utilize it in their instruction. There was a lack of data interpretation professional development in the campus improvement plan.
Smart Board Training - This will provide teachers with the necessary training to operate and use the many features of the Smart Board.
Interactive Power points - Teachers will learn how to create interactive power point lessons, games and webquests to use in the classroom.
Using the Computer for Cooperative Experiences - Expand cooperative learning through technology. Explore different types of online experiences: blogs, tele-communications, and project based learning.
These professional development sessions were created in response to the lack of technology in the district. There is a lack of technology integration in the campus and district plans. With appropriate funding and training the district will be able to increase technology use around the district. All four professional development sessions reflect the need for integration of technology in the classroom.
Data Collection in the Classroom - Teachers will learn to interpret data from benchmark and other standardized tests to apply to instructional strategies.
The "Data Collection in the Classroom" professional development is to address the need of teachers understanding student data and how to utilize it in their instruction. There was a lack of data interpretation professional development in the campus improvement plan.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
STaR Chart Presentation
Below is my presentation regarding the Texas Campus STaR Chart and Pine Tree High School.
Friday, November 20, 2009
STaR Chart (Week 2)
The Texas Campus STaR Chart was created to help school districts around Texas create and/or update, as well as conceptualize their vision of technology. In order for us to ensure improvements in teaching and learning within the classrooms, educators must assure that the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom are compatible to live and work in the 21st Century.
The STaR chart is comprised of four key areas that districts’ should focus on, and I believe that one of these areas is vital to a district’s success. Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support area focuses on the “process of integrating technology in schools, in itself, promotes school reform.” Without administrators and technological support leading teachers to make changes and alterations within technology to their teaching techniques; success cannot be guaranteed to our students.
Districts around the state of Texas are making technological progress, however I do not believe this is occurring at a pace that is necessary. As funds are becoming more readily available, administrators and support staff must implement new instructional support for teachers. Technological advances are constantly being made, and there is no way for individual teachers to keep up with the changes on their own. Districts must provide constant professional development of advances for their teachers. These professional developments sessions should occur, at the least, semi-annually.
As an educator, and future administrator, I understand the urgency and importance that weighs on our students’ future. We must incorporate the latest and greatest technological tools and techniques into our instructional routines to make certain our students will be able to live and work in the 21st Century.
The STaR chart is comprised of four key areas that districts’ should focus on, and I believe that one of these areas is vital to a district’s success. Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support area focuses on the “process of integrating technology in schools, in itself, promotes school reform.” Without administrators and technological support leading teachers to make changes and alterations within technology to their teaching techniques; success cannot be guaranteed to our students.
Districts around the state of Texas are making technological progress, however I do not believe this is occurring at a pace that is necessary. As funds are becoming more readily available, administrators and support staff must implement new instructional support for teachers. Technological advances are constantly being made, and there is no way for individual teachers to keep up with the changes on their own. Districts must provide constant professional development of advances for their teachers. These professional developments sessions should occur, at the least, semi-annually.
As an educator, and future administrator, I understand the urgency and importance that weighs on our students’ future. We must incorporate the latest and greatest technological tools and techniques into our instructional routines to make certain our students will be able to live and work in the 21st Century.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Prekindergarten TEKS
There are ten domains within the prekindergarten TEKS. Those include: social and emotional development, language and communication, emergent literacy reading and writing, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, physical development and technology. These TEKS domains allow the young students to build on their cognitive and metacognitive skills. The PRE-K students must be able to learn how to understand their body, movements, and emotions in order to become a future learner. They must also learn how to communicate and understand direction. Without these basic knowledge principles, the students future learning skills may be at a low level.
A spiraling curriculum allows for basic information to repeated and revisited over and over again. The TEKS objective, "Child demonstrates basic understanding of following classroom routines." This TEK is repeated through out multiple domains to ensure the student learns the importance of classroom routines. This spiraling technique TEK appears for multiple years so that the students learn this basic principle for their future.
A spiraling curriculum allows for basic information to repeated and revisited over and over again. The TEKS objective, "Child demonstrates basic understanding of following classroom routines." This TEK is repeated through out multiple domains to ensure the student learns the importance of classroom routines. This spiraling technique TEK appears for multiple years so that the students learn this basic principle for their future.
"Long-Range Plan" summary and action plan for me
Vision 2020-Students, parents, educators, and community and school board members can use effective technology to improve the education system. Whether it is to better prepare for the students future, increase awareness of students achievement, individualize students instruction or increased educational decision making processes.
Defining the Need for Change - Growth in technology has changed every aspect of business, government, society and life. These changes will constantly create need for greater knowledge in using technology to better our students' education.
Introducing the 21st Century Learner - Today's students have been using large amounts of technology since a young age. They are technology-savvy and desire to be technologically inclined.
Teacher Voices - Teachers like and need technology use in the classroom. Most said that it was a necessary agent in providing an engaging lesson for their students. Teachers expressed their need for fast, wireless Internet access with professional development time for learning new technologies.
Teaching and Learning - Texas' population is very diverse, and does not allow us for a "one size fits all approach." We must ensure that there are technology opportunities in all facets of their life, to ensure that we are able to stimulate and initiate their learning processes.
Educator and Preparation Development - Teachers must participate in professional learning to gain knowledge and skills and classroom strategies. Teachers need to be aware of new technology and strategies to transform teaching and learning in the classroom.
Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support - Technology leaders, administration and teachers play a key role in ensuring technology is widely used within their schools. Our ultimate goal as teachers and administrators is to ensure that our students are ready for their future. Our students' future plans involve the workforce. We must prepare our students for the technological applications that they will use in their future jobs.
Infrastructure for Technology - In order to ensure that all schools are educating their students equally, we must create high speed connectivity among schools, colleges, and other institutions. This is viable in creating an equitable access to all learners. All districts must have an infrastructure that is safe, secure, current and reliable to make certain success for all students.
Study of Needs - After conducting surveys, findings resulted that need to be addressed immediately to continue to prepare student to learn and work in the 21st Century. Funding needs to be provided to expand the technology infrastructure, persistent leadership in regards to technology, data measurement of technological progress, telecommunications discounts, and software interoperability.
My Action Plan - After becoming familiar with the Long-Range Plan, I need to incorporate as must technology as possible into my classroom and lesson plans. My students need to be prepared for their future, and deserve equal amount of access to technology. I am going to try and encourage administrators to educate all teachers about the Long-Range Plan for technology. I am sure many teachers are unaware of the goals for 2020. If they are unaware, this puts our students at a disadvantage compared to others in different districts.
Defining the Need for Change - Growth in technology has changed every aspect of business, government, society and life. These changes will constantly create need for greater knowledge in using technology to better our students' education.
Introducing the 21st Century Learner - Today's students have been using large amounts of technology since a young age. They are technology-savvy and desire to be technologically inclined.
Teacher Voices - Teachers like and need technology use in the classroom. Most said that it was a necessary agent in providing an engaging lesson for their students. Teachers expressed their need for fast, wireless Internet access with professional development time for learning new technologies.
Teaching and Learning - Texas' population is very diverse, and does not allow us for a "one size fits all approach." We must ensure that there are technology opportunities in all facets of their life, to ensure that we are able to stimulate and initiate their learning processes.
Educator and Preparation Development - Teachers must participate in professional learning to gain knowledge and skills and classroom strategies. Teachers need to be aware of new technology and strategies to transform teaching and learning in the classroom.
Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support - Technology leaders, administration and teachers play a key role in ensuring technology is widely used within their schools. Our ultimate goal as teachers and administrators is to ensure that our students are ready for their future. Our students' future plans involve the workforce. We must prepare our students for the technological applications that they will use in their future jobs.
Infrastructure for Technology - In order to ensure that all schools are educating their students equally, we must create high speed connectivity among schools, colleges, and other institutions. This is viable in creating an equitable access to all learners. All districts must have an infrastructure that is safe, secure, current and reliable to make certain success for all students.
Study of Needs - After conducting surveys, findings resulted that need to be addressed immediately to continue to prepare student to learn and work in the 21st Century. Funding needs to be provided to expand the technology infrastructure, persistent leadership in regards to technology, data measurement of technological progress, telecommunications discounts, and software interoperability.
My Action Plan - After becoming familiar with the Long-Range Plan, I need to incorporate as must technology as possible into my classroom and lesson plans. My students need to be prepared for their future, and deserve equal amount of access to technology. I am going to try and encourage administrators to educate all teachers about the Long-Range Plan for technology. I am sure many teachers are unaware of the goals for 2020. If they are unaware, this puts our students at a disadvantage compared to others in different districts.
Technology Surveys
After completing the two surveys, “Technology Applications Inventory” and the “SETDA Teacher Survey,” I realize that my school and I are lacking in use of technology. I thought that I was more aware of technology than I actually was.
While taking the “Technology Applications Inventory” survey, I began to discover new terminology that I had never heard before. I took a computer course in college, but I dare to say it was outdated as well. I lacked knowledge in many of the “Foundation” and “Information Acquisition Domains.” I knew a lot more information in the “Solving Problems with Technology Tools” and “Communication Domains.” Communication was my strongest domain, I feel that this might be because I was an Advertising and Public Relations major in college able to use graphics, create presentations, use a variety of layouts, use different fonts, sizes of fonts as well as which type goes together best for readability.
The second survey, “SETDA Teacher Survey,” focused more on my school and the steps we are taking to use technology to better educate our students. My school lacks in many of the areas being addressed. I find this very upsetting, because we are their last resource before they go “into the real world!” I was not able to answer any of the data collection questions regarding technology impacting students with a “yes.” I was able to answer personal technology assessment questions with a “yes.” I think it is very important to incorporate technology in your classroom as much as possible. Students’ brains revolve around technology, so I must be able to ensure that I can capture their attention with technology.
Overall, I need to become more informed on certain technological terms, as well as attend professional development regarding new technology. I should also urge my school to increase awareness of the relationship between technology and student success.
While taking the “Technology Applications Inventory” survey, I began to discover new terminology that I had never heard before. I took a computer course in college, but I dare to say it was outdated as well. I lacked knowledge in many of the “Foundation” and “Information Acquisition Domains.” I knew a lot more information in the “Solving Problems with Technology Tools” and “Communication Domains.” Communication was my strongest domain, I feel that this might be because I was an Advertising and Public Relations major in college able to use graphics, create presentations, use a variety of layouts, use different fonts, sizes of fonts as well as which type goes together best for readability.
The second survey, “SETDA Teacher Survey,” focused more on my school and the steps we are taking to use technology to better educate our students. My school lacks in many of the areas being addressed. I find this very upsetting, because we are their last resource before they go “into the real world!” I was not able to answer any of the data collection questions regarding technology impacting students with a “yes.” I was able to answer personal technology assessment questions with a “yes.” I think it is very important to incorporate technology in your classroom as much as possible. Students’ brains revolve around technology, so I must be able to ensure that I can capture their attention with technology.
Overall, I need to become more informed on certain technological terms, as well as attend professional development regarding new technology. I should also urge my school to increase awareness of the relationship between technology and student success.
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