Course Reflection and Leadership Vision

Studying the Technology Facilitator standards in the manner that we did this semester was an effective way to see our progress thus far in the major and to see where we still have to go.  The course, Technology Facilitator, was the first step in the direction of leadership, and with the addition of this class we are another step closer.  Technology Facilitator allowed us to experience some of the decisions and planning that is required of technology facilitators.  This course had us reflect upon the entire course of study thus far and make connections between what we’ve learned and the requirements of the job.  This experience will be helpful in our current and future roles as teachers and leaders.

Leadership ability will be key to successfully implementing technology into our schools and classrooms.  Planning and professional development are two administrative duties that we have discussed a lot throughout this course.  School districts must create sound plans before acquiring technology.  Erica’s article this week, written by Camilia Czubaj, entitled “Planning for Technology,” supports this idea.  It also supports the need for professional development prior to implementation.  As technology facilitators, we will play a part in these important decisions. 

Technology facilitators must be knowledgeable of current research in technology, as stated in standard 8, so that we can make informed decisions for our schools.  Creating partnerships to help share ideas and resources is an avenue that more technology leaders must follow.  In addition to keeping costs down, it will allow schools to model themselves after successful schools, as opposed to reinventing the wheel all alone.  In the article Lessons Learned: An Inside Look at Four of the Top Technology School Districts in the Nation, two of the top districts had partnerships will universities and other schools in their areas which allowed them to pool resources to create a successful program.  Working together will help us create better learning environments for our students. 

In order to create these technology-driven curricula we need to assist those people in our schools who don’t feel comfortable using technology by having workshops or informal mini-lessons.  Getting the majority of teacher to use technology for administrative duties, like lesson plans, grade books, and other classroom resources would be the first step that needs to be taken.  After that goal is met teachers could then begin implementing the use of technology into their lessons.  I feel that teachers need to first see technology as an important part of their daily lives; this will help some see that it is necessary to integrate technology into their lessons.  We need to use what we’ve learned to help our schools advance in the direction of successful integration.