What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?
In the beginning of this course, I envisioned learning about what technical tools were being used for learning activities in classes being taught in public schools. I wasn't aware that we would be reviewing the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 and the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). I was excited to find out that I would be completing the various self assessments to determine my temperament, understanding of learning styles, leadership skills, and knowledge of implementation of technology in the classroom. After reviewing the TEKS, I was able to understand more about the connections between technology requirements in the classrooms. I had heard of Wikis and blogs, but had not experienced an intellectual connection between the two teaching tools and learning activities in the classroom. The assessments provided me with insight about my strengths and weaknesses in leadership skills, technology learning styles, and leadership skills. I believe the course activities and reflection exercises provided me with knowledge above and beyond my expectations.
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 believe the course activities have provided me with additional knowledge about what kind of personality I possess, what kind of teacher I can be, how I can better serve my students, and help them become better achievers. The student population, at my school, is a diverse group of adult learners. As a teacher, I am responsible for maintaining order in a classroom, and instilling knowledge of technology to a group of adult learners with various personality characteristics, low self confidence, and have no interest in making lifetime goals. The Multiple Intelligence self assessment will help me identify students with particular learning styles and habits, and plan teaching strategies to help them become more successful. I will be able to identify and understand the reasons why students express reluctance in learning anything new, and with technology guided lessons. The personal characteristic self assessment will help me understand the students thinking patterns and attitudes toward learning.
What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?
The learning assignments in this course covered a multitude of information, such as the Texas Long Range Technology Plan, the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the STaR Charts, technology book, etc. I completed the assignments, but feel that I may need to review a few of the course assignments and materials, for a second time, to fully understand the connection between the technology applications plans and technology education required in the classrooms. My preference of learning is the online environment; however, it is fast paced and sometimes I become overwhelmed with the assignment requirements. In this fast paced learning environment, there were times when I spent a little too much time to read and understand the concepts of one assignment and didn’t allow enough time to fully understand the concepts in other valuable assignments.
Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?
In the beginning of the course, it seemed impossible to complete all of the course assignments and submit them on time. I felt discouraged many times throughout the course. It has been several years since I attended college, and it has been difficult to exercise my brain’s power and thinking abilities. Giving up some of my daily activities in exchange for studying has been a challenge. I have been informed of my habit of being an overachiever, and find myself making more out of an assignment than is required. If I am not sure about the instructor’s expectations on an assignment, I begin to panic and want to give up. I am not sure how, but I managed to complete and submit all of my assignments.
What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?
My technology skills assessment revealed my strengths and weaknesses. I plan to review my LoTi recommendations for professional development to increase my skills in several areas of technology and leadership. The class that I teach is Business Computer Information Systems. After teaching in a computer lab all day, it is difficult to come home and use the computer to explore the Internet and learn about new technology. I would like to improve on three leadership skills, formal public speaking, facilitation, and resolving conflicts. I feel that I possess the ability to be an effective leader, but need more practice to become more confident about resolving conflicts and formal public speaking. After completing the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, I discovered that some of the character results matched four traits my coworkers have expressed. They used my first name and used the character traits to describe me as being (L)ively, (I)ntuitive, (S)pontaneous, and (A)mbitious: LISA, which is my first name.
