EDLD+5362+Reflection



EDLD 5362 Information Systems Management Reflection Upon reviewing the first assignment for this course, I was very excited to have the opportunity to interview my mentor and mother, a veteran teacher with over 27 years experience. Having assisted her with technology in her own classroom prior to this program, I thought it would be truly insightful to hear what she had to say about the evolution of technology in the classroom throughout her career. The last time I had the chance to observe her at work in the classroom with her students was when I, myself, was a mere child. We spoke often about her work, but I had not seen her in action for many years. My memories were that of an environment similar to my own kindergarten experience: crayons, safety scissors, and the alphabet cutouts on the wall. Upon discussing the changes in her classroom since that time, I was amazed to hear all she had been able to incorporate into her curriculum, bringing her students into the 21st century. Web-conferencing with schools across the globe, a videoconference with NASA and internet activities to enhance learning were just the tip of the iceberg of the ways technology was fully integrated into her teaching model. This activity was very enlightening both as a student, but also as a daughter. As mentioned previously, my mother has served as my mentor and inspiration to enter the teaching field. I have always looked up to her, but considered myself much more advanced when it came to technology. This experience showed me while I might be able to maneuver through programs with ease; she was well ahead of me in being a technology leader through her actions in the classroom. My respect for her has grown as well as my motivation to become a stronger presence on campus to help others incorporate technology into their own classrooms. This correlates well with the ITSE Standards I and V which dictate that educational technology leaders should not only understand the tools available, but should design, develop, evaluate and model technology resources in their professional practice (Williamson & Redish, 2009). In evaluating the Horizons Report prepared by Johnson, Levine, Smith, and Smythe (2009), and creating a vision of a model classroom, the course allowed us to move from where we have come with technology integration to where we are going. This experience created an opportunity to utilize Standard VIII, which prescribes the need to assist with the development of a shared vision to incorporate technology into the culture of the school. Burns (2002) discussed this through the view of the professional development project that proved useful in changing the behavior of teachers through shifting from a teacher-centered approach to the incorporation of newer technologies to enhance student learning. It is very important to build a foundation of data to be aware of where we have been and what strategies were successful. From there, a vision of where we are headed must be developed and an action plan formulated. Stansbury (2007) revealed how savvy educators sought to reform their schools. Educators have created their shared vision of improving lacking math and science scores through implementations of technology in the classroom. They fought for their vision and appealed to their congressmen and women and were able to make effective changes. This exemplifies a real-world scenario of how the eighth standard, to facilitate development of a shared vision, can be achieved. The development of a vision of a future classroom aids in the transition from idea to reality. Burns, M. (2002). From compliance to commitment: Technology as a catalyst for communities of learning. //Phi Delta Kappan, 84(4)//, 295-303. Johnson, L., Levine, A., Smith, R., and Smythe, T. (2009). //The 2009 Horizon Report: K-12 Edition.// Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium. Retrieved from [] Stansbury, M. (2007). Savvy educators reveal secrets of reform. //eSchool News, 10(9),// 17.

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-////12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.