EDLD_5364+Final


 * 1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?**

Prior to this class, I ordered the required books and looked through them. I could tell the book, //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works//, was FULL of new and exciting teaching methods and fresh ideas, I looked forward to seeing what direction the course went based on what I saw in the book. I will continue to refer to this book and its lessons and websites. When we first started this course and were reading and watching videos about Constructivism, Connectivism and the Cyberg Theory, I was worried that the material would not be applicable to what I am doing in the classroom. However, the agenda did turn around and became more relevant to what we are doing on a daily basis. Yes, I believe the course aligned with the outcomes I envisioned. I have already applied many concepts that I have learned to the technology lessons I present.


 * 2. 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?**

I appreciate how this course was structured to be relevant to the work that many of us do on a daily basis. Every week the material that was covered was applicable to //something// I was doing at work. I took the knowledge I had gained from this course and applied it to conversations with others, the material that I was teaching and used it to take my work to another level. The assignment in which we learned about the CAST Book Builder website and created a book was very informative. Also, the group project, even though it was frustrating at times, was a learning experience. I have played a little with Google Docs prior to this class, but am now much more comfortable with uploading and sharing documents. The readings were very informative as were all the videos, I gained so much knowledge in this course! What is best is that I have, or will be able to, apply this knowledge to my position.


 * 3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?**

I do not feel the group project was a learning experience for me. I certainly appreciate all the work our team leader put into organizing our Google Homepage and keeping us focused, but I never did have a clear vision of what was expected from us, the outcome, nor how to get there. Every week I was expecting it to “come all together” but it never did. Considering that our group didn’t know each other, and several times we all mentioned that we weren’t clear on what was expected, no one stepped up to the plate to say this is how I interpret what we are to do, and let’s do it this way. On a positive, I was exposed to a subject area that I would have never chosen myself; 6th grade Science. After much research, I created a lesson that I love and will use with the 6th grade Science teacher in my school.


 * 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?**

I found “success” in carrying out some assignments more than others. As mentioned above, the Group Work was very discouraging. I understood the “scenario” and found it applicable to what we do in our line of work, but the result was very obscure and I still am not sure what was expected. I also wondered if I did an assignment correctly and found that the delay of grading was a hindrance. I did complete all the other assignments, such as posting to my Wiki. Many times, I had to take advantage of the extension. I tend to be busy during the week and really start the assignments for class on Friday. I get the majority done over the weekend and just need the two extra days to review what I am preparing to submit. I am discouraged by having to complete this week’s assignments by Friday instead of Sunday. I completely understand why, and realize we were given plenty of time to make sure we fit this into our schedule. I will be happy tomorrow when I don’t have to complete any assignments and have a free weekend so, this is actually a good thing!

I quickly figured out that the degree of learning in this course was related to the effort I put forth into going beyond the weekly readings, videos and assignments and then applying what I learned to my position as an Instructional Technology Specialist. My Del.icio.us site has been a resource that I have started using much more frequently with a “Lamar” tag added now. I am much more confident in my leadership skills and as I mentioned above, I am using much of what I have learned. I also have a clearer vision of my role as an ITS, what it entails and the importance of demonstrating to the teachers how to incorporate technology into their lessons. I am eager to demonstrate some of the strategies I learned in this course, and sharing the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works.
 * 5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?**