Course Reflections

Envisioned Outcomes

I really did not envision outcomes from the onset. I entered into the course simply ready to go back to school; ready to resume institutional learning; to acquire a master’s degree. The first week of the course is when I began to think of goals. Prompted by the intense self-evaluations and assorted online assessments, I began to realize there was a lot I had to learn. I went back and took another look at the learning outcomes. The outcomes posted in the syllabus were clear and I understood where I needed to go. I aligned my goals to those of the course. As time moved on, I began to understand the need for the first week’s self-evaluations. I believe I have accomplished those outcomes with the exception of one I feel I have not adequately mastered.  I’m still at the onset of my knowledge acquisition, but have made progress toward what I want to eventually be able to do.

Outcome Relevance

The outcomes I achieved are very much relevant to the work I do in my school. As a fifth grade language arts and social studies teacher (another change), there will be a multitude of instances where I will be able to implement what I have learned so far. In fact, we may not have a designated technology person at my campus due to budget cuts, so I may be asked to fill in when and where a tech person may be needed. I will be an asset to the campus in more ways than I envisioned. I will be able to promote the use of technology for teaching and for professional development while furthering my technical abilities. My newly acquired knowledge will enable me to share ways for teachers to be more productive, teach using twenty first century skills, communicate more efficiently, and stay abreast of news and updates pertinent to our mission of teaching.

Unachieved Outcome

There is one outcome I do not feel as if I achieved. I do not believe I have acquired enough knowledge regarding the providing of and supporting of campus technology infrastructure and digital service. I have learned of the need for digital service and technology infrastructure but do not know what goes into supporting it. I may be mistakenly thinking in terms of the physical aspects of the service and infrastructure. If that’s it then based on what I have learned my best guess for provision would be to first survey, assess, and record the use of technology to ascertain recognizable needs. Then acquire funding from available sources to install or improve the infrastructure and digital service. If it’s the human component, then that would involve all parties with a vested interest contributing to the success a program. There is undoubtedly something I missed or did not quite understand.  Time certainly played a factor in not fully understanding this concept. I hope to be able to revisit it for clarification.

Course Assignments

I was successful in carrying out the course assignments. There was a time during the first week when I came to the conclusion that there was no way I would be able to submit the assignments on time. Personal problems and limited expertise with Web 2.0 tools were my nemesis. I was saved by a lenient professor who put a premium on family matters and granted an extension. Once the first week and my extension were over, I was faced with only four days to complete the second week’s assignments. Through tears, curses, and a supportive partner, I managed. Week three provided no let-up to the long list of ‘to dos’. But, I was on a roll and even managed to finish up by the fifth day rather than the seventh. The fourth week was filled with lots to do but manageable. Week five arrived with surprise, more intense assignments. As I type this I am calculating how much time I have left to complete this week’s assignments.

Learned

This course opened my eyes to just how ignorant I was to what’s going on in the world of technology. While I prided myself on knowing quite a bit, probably because I knew more than my constituents, I was nearly blind. Mine eyes have been opened and will not be shut again. This course has taught me the need to stay abreast of all educational changes; to not focus on a particular subject area. No longer will I stick my head in the sand and only do what’s necessary to get by. In addition, my learning style has changed from logical and mathematical to a combination of kinetic and naturalistic. I’m not sure how this change in learning style will play out in this endeavor but I will find out. In times past, I have been told that I was a natural leader. I could never see it. I’m beginning to get glimpses of what others saw. In fact, I’m looking forward to the idea. I began this course with a goal of acquiring a master’s degree. I am now looking forward to the possibility of the greater contribution of leading in the field of education.