The following are my worst fears regarding implementing and integrating technology:
· That I will fail to use the knowledge I’ve gained both personally and to teach our faculty
· That the teachers at my school will refuse to learn new technology skills from me
· That our school will continue to put technology on a low priority level resulting in the lack of funds budgeted and the lack of qualified personnel hired
· That I will be inadequate in being a change-agent for our school
I will try to overcome my fears by bravely pursuing my goals. I will continue to practice and learn more about technology. Besides investigating on my own, I will look for workshops to attend and continue my education in this area. I will work diligently to education influential people in my school and district and will look for alternate funding sources.
And here are my best hopes!
· That I will be a change-agent in our school
· That more funds will be allocated for purchasing the equipment needed to implement technology integration in our school
· That I will effectively teach our faculty in a way that will seem non-threatening and “do-able”
· That I will be able to communicate the importance of technology implementation and integration to my principal
· That students will be motivated through technology integration to put more effort and enthusiasm into their projects
· That students will gain skills and knowledge in the area a technology
· That students will think on a higher level through projects designed with technology
Ways I will use technology for personal empowerment:
I will use technology to improve the offerings of the library in which I work. Through it I will improve efficiency and will enrich the lessons I teach. I will also use it to display my “worth” to my administrators. On a personal note, I will probably create a personal blog and perhaps begin making photo books of special family occasions.
Ways skills I’ve learned in this class contributed to realizing my hopes:
The skills I’ve learned in this class will definitely help me meet my goals. I have gained confidence as I’ve learned to apply technology in new ways. Learning new skills such as how to create blogs, wikis, and RSS feeds in a non-threatening environment has boosted my confidence greatly. Dr. McElhany has been sensitive in gauging the knowledge and confidence levels of those of us in the class and has adjusted her lessons and assignments to best meet our needs.
Changes I will make regarding my continued investigation and implementation of technology in the future:
One change I will make is that I will increase the time I have to “play” because I will soon be finished with my master’s degree and will have more time for “fun.” I really think that I will be more relaxed and able to learn when I’m out from under the pressure of assignments and classes. At least now, I know what I need to go back and fully learn!
Another change I hope to make is that I will design more projects for my students and will teach the teachers so that we can collaborate in planning, implementing, and evaluating projects for their classes.
I have been a poster child for those who “fear” technology. I’m not a mechanical or technical person and this set of courses has been far outside my comfort zone. Even though it didn’t come easily, I am so proud of the new knowledge and skills I have and am slowly becoming friends with computers and all that is possible through them. Thank you to all my teachers, family, and classmates who have helped bring me along!
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Cinda, I echo your fears and hopes. The lack of funding and a difference of priorities seems to be rampant today. However, we continue to do our utmost in educating with the faith that a great future leader may be in the midst of our public schools. One who will bring changes in education and....
ReplyDeleteCinda,Excellent, reflective posting. The area that stood out most to me as I read your blog was your list of worst fears. You're better than what you give yourself credit for. The best way to teach is by example. Find ways to use the technology for personal growth and in your work place. Others will ask you questions simply because you're modeling its use! Keep networked to resource persons after this class is over. Call on me if I can ever assist!
ReplyDelete"I have been a poster child for those who “fear” technology. I’m not a mechanical or technical person and this set of courses has been far outside my comfort zone."
ReplyDeleteAll you have to do is keep in mind that nothing is impossible. You are doing just fine and if you keep as you are, you will be successful in any field.