•What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?
I started this course thinking that I knew my way around computers. I was surprise to find out that I was really and immigrant and not a citizen of technology. I expected more detailed training on how to use basic micrsoft programs like excel, Microsoft word, PP and some publishing. As the course progressed I realized that I knew very little about the new trends in technology for example blogging, wikipedias and RSS feeds. The mentioned applications were news to me and I was not expecting them to be part of the course. As a result of the objective in the course I have started a movement towards becoming a citizen in technology
•To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?
This course has proven to be very productive. I now have gained knowledge and the know how on the new technology trends and I have grown professionally. Learning how to blog and better yet to create my own blog could be implemented into my classroom activities and could benefit my students. The assignments thrugout the course have made me a better teacher in the class room and has definitely made me more marketable. I think that as a result my student will be exposed to blogging and I can prepare better lessons if I open up the blog for students to express the dislikes and like of the classroom organization and culture.
•What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?
I invested time and effort throughout the course and I can honestly say that I am well ahead of technology trends as oppose to not have been enrolled in this course. I think that all my goals were met thanks to the organization of the content and mainly because of the support offered by my coach and professors. The webcast seminars also contributed to the ease of the course.
•Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?
Distance learning has been a challenge for me, but I like it. I have 7 days to complete my assignments and I have completed all my assignments on time. Week four assignment was abit stressful due to the fact that I had to comment on two action plans. It was late Sunday night and I could not find action plans on the discussion board I was worried that I would not get full credit on the discussion part because I had not completed my comments on two other action plans because my classmates had not posted . All my other assigmants have been completed and because online learning has proven for me , I can plan and prepare for my assignments in a way that it does not interfer with my job and personal life.
•What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?
I am an immigrant and I am slowly and effectively moving towards citizen status like Dr. Jenkins said in the round table discussion. I thought I knew technology but all I knew was to make a Microsoft document, make powerpoint presentations, surf the web and fix minor peripheral and hardware problems. I feel more confident about myself when discussing technology with a colleague. The knowledge I have gained for this course has made me a better leader for tomorrow. My skills have improve twofold. I know that the internet is a new venue for students, teachers administrators and parents. I like technology in the class room and have made it a part of my daily lesson cycle.
•What is the educational value of blogs and blogging to the 21st century learner?
The 21st century learner is different type of learner that we grew up with. I feel that as educators we still have the upperhand over thise fast growing community. We chose the teaching fild because we want to contribute to our community by prepareing fine young members of our community. I believe that blogs and blogging will open up a new way of communication between students, parents teachers and administrators. We are no longer dependent on the telephone or a letter sent home where the two have proven to have faults because the letter does not make it home or the phone number is incorrect. I think tha blogging puts more responsibility on the other end ……the students and the parents to stay abreast of what is going on their student’s educational day.
•What are the concerns of blogs and blogging in education?
Blogs and blogging that are not used for education can be meaningless and just another way to mud sling. I think that because bloggers do not have to reveal their real names this could pose a threat to the validity of the comments posted. I have read many blogs associated with our local news paper and to this date I have not read one that is positive. I do not take part in blogging because I do not feel confortable posting information that may offend an individual. I feel that we could regulate what is said and posted if bogs required you verify your identity somehow.
•How can you use blogging to communicate with school stakeholders?
Bolgs and blogging has open up a new way to stay in-touch with the learning community. Communicating thru blogs is easier and faster than picking up the phone and dialing 150 different numbers to tell the parents of new policy or procedures in the classroom or in the school district. It would also save the school district money because you can reach many more parents on the blog instead of sending booklets and letters home to inform them of new changes. Having a district blog could benefit all the stakeholder and would make everyone accountable. I think that having a blog, more parents would get involve with their childs education because they could blog at their convenience
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