Teaching+with+Technology+Final+Assessment

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? I had many outcomes that I envisioned for this course. The reason being is that I am so ready to become an instructional technology specialist I can almost taste it. I see what is done on campus, but I don’t’ know if it is right or wrong. I envisioned learning new ways to incorporate technology into not only my classroom, but also offering others in our school some ideas or thoughts. I think the one new technology component that I learned this session was that of a Google site and wiki. The UDL information and book builder were also very valuable resources. At the end of this course, I realized that I already incorporate technology in my classroom many different and appropriate ways. I am an avid believer in differentiated instruction, and having these new tools will help me not only in my classroom but also when I do become an ITS. 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? As mentioned in question one, the main components that were the most beneficial to me were that of the UDL book builder and the Google site. I have already shared both of these technologies that increase collaboration and learning in my school and with other fellow colleagues that work in the same area that I do. I cannot wait to create more books using the UDL book builder for my own students to use. Since I teach children with autism there are many ways that I plan to use the UDL book builder. One is to create books that will be relevant to my students. The other is making sure that I have materials and books ready for the TAKS-Alt. I have already created a Destination Imagination Google Wiki for the students that are on the team. This way they can easily share information even if they are not able to get together. I am always looking for new ways to use technology to broaden my students and my horizon; this gave me just more tools under my belt. 3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? I believe that I achieved all of the outcomes. When a teacher stops learning new information is when the teacher needs to find a different profession. Although I have not seen lesson plans written as in depth as a UDL 1, does not mean that I would not have to eventually use them. Our group is cohesive, my thirst for new technology knowledge is huge, and my need to learn something is great. I enjoyed the course and feel as if I have even better information that I will be able to take with me in my next step in my educational career. 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? Yes, I do believe that I was very successful in completing the course assignments. The group that I work with is one that has been together since the very beginning. Our thoughts in technology allow for a better collaboration of ideas and skills. I found that even though we were working in a group for the most part, our team was on the same page and our ideas stayed focused on what would make the most successful classroom. I have been lucky to be able to work with such a great team again. The one thing that did discourage me was the amount of work in week 3. Although I finished, I had a tough time making sure that I did everything that needed to be done and done correctly. Overall, I have high expectations for myself, so therefore I have high expectations in completing assignments on time and correctly. 5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes? As our courses go on, I learn that I really love using technology. I have also found that I tend to volunteer my ideas, thoughts, and help more often to teachers in our school. I think that technology is such a huge component of learning, and it frightens me to go into the computer lab and see the students just playing games. I am not an instructional technology specialist yet, but I do know that when I become one I will have high expectations. It is important to work well with others, but it is also important for the others to know the importance of the Texas Long Range plan and how these ideas need to be incorporated into the curriculum. I have also learned that I am very hands on, and if I do not know something, I do not mind asking. Through this course and the other ones, I have become a stronger person and now I love presenting at conferences.