To be perfectly honest, I really had no idea what to expect from this course. I guess in all actuality, I expected it to be outdated and teaching me to use things I already knew and was familiar with. In no way did this course meet those expectations. Instead, it well surpassed and exceeded them. I never thought that I would learn how to blog, post slide shows online, save files to adobe printer, etc. I think that I far surpassed any expected outcomes of this course. I thought I would be “taught” how to use power point or excel or something that I had already learned. I did not expect to learn new technology or receive such valuable information. A lot of what I learned in this class is applicable in my classroom. I can save time sensitive material, search for documents faster through desktop search and share lots of information safely over the web. I am really excited to start the school year next year by trying to implement a blog. I feel like that would be such a great tool for parents to use when they have questions or are confused about homework, etc. I could also post valuable links and resources, making it all the more impressive and effective. I think that I achieved all of the goals that I had set for myself.
As I said earlier, I didn’t really think I would learn anything new. I certainly did not set the goal of learning to blog or create online surveys for people to fill out. I think it was all very easy to understand and I could definitely tell how each week built on the knowledge from the following week. In the beginning assignments were very challenging. I found myself overwhelmed and confused a couple of times in the first two weeks. In the end I managed to complete all of my assignments. I had some points taken off during week 4 for not citing my references, but I could not find where I referenced anything or where I would need to list my references. Other than that, I felt I accomplished all assignments with varying degrees of ease.
There were so many different things that I learned from this course. I have already mentioned how I learned to share power points and blogs. I learned how to save time sensitive material and how to create a professional presentation with online tools. I found a lot of great information out about the school which I then took back to my principals and showed them. My favorite thing that I learned was the blogging. I just think it offers teachers so many great resources and tools to use. I also learned that I am not as experienced in technology as I thought I was. I assumed that this class would be much easier than it was and that I would know everything that is being taught. I also thought it would be much simpler, leading me to the conclusion that I do not know as much as I want to. I still very much enjoy technology and love to incorporate it in my daily routine. After taking this class I definitely realize how important it is for administrators to keep up with technology use it to keep a float.
I also learned about blogs and how I can apply them, both as a teacher and as an administrator. It allows the teacher to post information, homework examples, resources, tools, calendars, communication forums, etc. I think that the possibilities of the blog are endless and we will continue to find ways to better use and incorporate blogs into the school. I do not have a lot of concerns about how to use blogs, but I do think about appropriateness in posts and the prevention of cyber bullying. I think that there are ways to prevent both. Merely by informing students that you are watching and or reading and that they will be held accountable for their actions will cut down on the cyber bullying and posting of inappropriate or inaccurate information.
Another thing that I love about blogging is that it is so diverse. You can use it for students, staff or parents. One of the ways that you can use it for community members is having a forum for the school. Here, information can be posted, comments can be added and it allows for a collaborative effort in keeping shareholders informed and involved. Some of the other perks of using blogging is that you can post discussions of lessons and lectures so that parents can be aware of what is being taught in their student’s classroom. This allows parents to be more involved in their students learning and homework. Blogging really can be used for so many different venues, it makes me wonder why we are just now thinking about it and using it!

Texas STaR chart

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Week 2 Assignment, Part 2: Using a Blog

Teaching and Learning
Teachers must be better prepared and trained in technology so that they may educate their students on the use of technology. They need to complete technology courses before becoming a teacher, participate in ongoing staff development and keep up with new trends in technology. Progress is being made in both state and local preparation. in 2006-2007, 73.6% of schools were Developing Tech in Teaching and Learning. The next year, 69.7% were developing Tech and the remaining 3.9% and an additional 1.5% advanced to Advanced Tech. Over the course of one year, 5.4% of schools rated as Early Tech decreased to 3.9% in 2007-2008. Within my own school, we have fluctuated between 14 (Developing 06-07), 15 (Advanced, 07-08) and back to 14 (Developing 08-09). I do expect to see an increase in scores again both locally and state wide. The trends that are showing is simply an increase and advancement through the stages across the state. My school personally did not show any particular trends in the Teaching and Learning category, but I expect to be back on track next STaR chart. Some recommendations I have would be to better explain the STaR chart to teachers, warn them of how it is serious and how they should take time to read each question and then increase staff developments and trainings on how to use the technology we have. Once we have mastered the technology that is available, we will then need to branch out and adopt new technology for our school.

Long Range Plan for Technology

There is a lot of information available for technology. By reviewing and summarizing the Long Range Plan it gave me an idea of where my school stands and where we as a state are headed. I think it gave me an idea of where our school needs to be headed and what we need to be pushing as well. We have computer 30 minutes a day. We normally have children participate in skill and drill software, but I think that we as a school should begin to take this time as another teaching opportunity and begin teaching children how to use their computers as a resource tool. This information has also helped me see what will be expected of schools and where staff will need training and staff development. This will gives us a ample time to ensure that we are prepared for the standards that are going to be put in place and how we can best utilize the technology that we have.

Technology Applications TEKS Summary

In Pre-K students are taught the basics of computers. They learn to refer to input devices (mouse, keyboard, CD-ROM etc.), open different software programs, operate recorders and touch screens, use software to express themselves, and grasp the concept that information is accessible through the use of technology. When a Pre-K student has learned all of these concepts, it lays the groundwork for the upper grades to introduce new, more advanced software, different tools the software has to offer and how to navigate the computer more effectively. The child has already learned how to use a mouse, they can now use the mouse to click on Kidspiration and create a file. A scaffolding curriculum should build on what a student knows. By teaching the basics early, it allows the teachers to teach the students something more complex in upper grades. Students have many opportunities to master knowledge and skills everyday using technology. After a child has mastered how to use their mouse, keyboard and CD-ROM, they will continue to expand and improve their computer skills. They continue to show that they have mastered that skill, while working on mastering a new skill at the same time.

Technology Skills Assessments

As part of this week's assignment I have taken two different technology assessments. As I went through both assessments, I realized that I have a large knowledge base in technology. I still have lots of room to grow, of course, but I still think I am moderately advanced. I also noticed that our school and district is lacking when it comes to the implementation and teaching of technology. In both the technology applications survey and the SETDA, I noticed that my school was showing many areas of weakness. I agree with both assessments and think that they opened my eyes to areas that both my school and I can work on. I personally live for technology and am disappointed when we don't have the time, resources or budget money to implement all the different sources of technology. I think that I am very strong with technology in general and excel within the school. I know that this year alone I have piloted 5 different sources of technology in the classroom. Teachers do come to me for help and I feel that I am competent in the day to day use. I would, however, like to branch out more and find even more resources and tools. I know that I am not teaching the children to use technology the way that I should, however. I would like to learn more about editing software and programs so that my class can learn to create and edit informational sources, such as videos and presentations.