EDLD 5306 Post Course Reflection

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 envisioned having a better understanding of our graduate program as a whole. While I am still confused over certain aspects, I do feel much for familiar with the program as well as Epic Player. This course was very well outlined with step by step instructions for each individual component of the 5 weeks. I am still a little confused on if our professors change for each course, but I will soon find this out when our second course starts. I also feel more knowledgeable with certain technology terms and plans that are in our district and state. I can now easily access the star chart and see the technology assessments for our schools. One of my biggest envisions was getting to know my classmates through distance learning. Through web conferences, email, blogs, and wikis, I feel like I have a great group of colleagues to call on if I need help during this program.

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?
My outcomes that I achieved are very relevant to my life as a mother, teacher, student, and lifelong learner because I am able to understand what Keller ISD is looking for in regards to technology throughout this course. This benefits me as a perspective teacher for Keller ISD as I see the goals they are trying to achieve in the near future. I also learned so many different ways to communicate with parents, peers, teachers, administrators, and the world. I cannot wait to use these digital tools, such as the wiki and blogger to share my knowledge with others as well as collaborating with each others. I have a much better understanding of what it takes to be a leader, and someone who is continually taking the steps to be a proactive learner now and in the future.

3.What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?

Where I need learning Keller ISD’s technology vision, I did not learn about specific technologies being used in the schools. The school I am most familiar with does not have a lot of digital resources available to their teachers and students. I envisioned ways to incorporate more technology in the classroom, but how can this be achieved if every school does not have the means to provide such digital tools? I feel that this course has shown me the importance of providing 21st century learners with digital tools. I also feel that Keller ISD wants these tools implemented, but until we can bridge this digital gap and equip every school with necessary technology, these outcomes will not be achieved. I envisioned learning the mechanics of this course and feel I have with Epic but I am still lacking knowledge with the TK20 program and software through Lamar.
4. Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?

I feel I was very successful at carrying out this course assignments as well as staying on top of the assignments to ensure on time submissions. Assignments were very well lined out with step by step instructions, and made it very easy to accomplish these tasks. I like to get my work done early so I could have weekends to spend with my husband and kids. I stayed on top of all my assignments and made sure that I did not have too much to do at one given night. My youngest daughter has been very helpful during this course by taking long afternoon naps and going to bed at 7pm most nights. While the kids sleep, the mommy works. I have also been able to lean on a fellow classmate and best friend throughout this course. We have spent many hours working side by side, answering each other questions, and reassuring each other that we can do it.

5. What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?

I learned so many different things about myself as an educator, parent, leader, and student. While at first I thought I knew a lot about technology, I soon realized there is so much more for me to learn and became aware of this very early in the course. I feel that I also grew as a leader in this course. This course provided opportunities where I had to communicate closely with others by blogging, web conferencing, and emailing to provide and receive feedback. Communicating with complete strangers can sometimes be a struggle for me, but feel that with the opportunities this course provided, helped me become a better leader by working closely with others, speaking my opinions, stepping out of my comfort zone, listening to others feedback and constructive criticism, and of course researching and trying new things which are all important aspects in improving leadership skills. Overall, this course has helped me grow and learn in ways I never thought I would. It has given me an immense amount of knowledge that I can take with me to my future students and classroom to ensure their highest levels of learning are achieved now and in their futures.