ELDL5364+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?**

When I began the Teaching with Technology course, I thought I would be creating a few lesson plans that incorporated technology, used by both the teacher and students. It didn’t seem to be difficult and I thought I would be able to wrap up the semester at the school I work in, finish my assignments for the Masters course, still keep up with my home and church life. Then reality caved in – both schools took a lot more time and effort than I had planned on, and in order to not cheat my students or my cohort, I often had to make choices to let other things go until class was finished.

I envisioned learning about more effective ways to use technology. To be honest, I had gotten the idea that I would be taught, but I did a lot more teaching myself how to use the technologies than having others teach me. There were a few times during the past 5 weeks that I would more cheerfully have let one of the others on my team do all the work, but in the next breath realized that to do so would be more than letting down my other two team members; I would be letting myself down, my instructors (who know what I am capable of doing), my friends and family who expect me to do my best at all times. I think more than anything, I would let down my students. How can I ask them to knuckle down and do their best in each class if I am not doing the same?

In the end, the actual course outcomes did align with those I had envisioned. I created a few lesson plans; I learned several new technologies and programs in order to get through; I did not shirk my group duties (in fact, it was my favorite part of the whole course); and I didn’t let anyone down. I also learned more about programs I have used before – it just shows me that there is always more to learn.


 * 2. To the extent that you achived the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not? **

Without a doubt, everything I learned during this course is relevant to the work I do, both in my school and in the district. I have several brand-new software and other technologies that I have begun to learn, and with practice, will become quite proficient with its use in my classroom and in-service presentations. I have already begun to use the Google site and docs with my students, and am constantly amazed with just how versatile Google has become!

I was blessed to be able to visit the classroom of one of my cohort and team member as she gave an interactive writing lesson in the computer lab. I learned that I am on the right track, that these technologies CAN be used in our classrooms without harm or undue drama. I was able to see what worked and what didn’t.

Mostly, I realized that I, too, can learn and teach with new technologies. A few times I had qualms about my abilities, but I didn’t wallow. I took a deep breath and plunged ahead. Sometimes I had to start over, and I did. Sometimes I tried something and looked at the outcome and said, “Wow. That looks good!” And every once in a while I would look at something I created and quote Kuzco, “Yeah! Look at me and my bad self!” (The Emperor’s New Groove, 2000).

//The emperor’s new groove //. (2000). Disney.


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

There were no outcomes that I did not achieve, except perhaps having an easy time of the class. Now, I do not expect to skate through any of the courses for the Masters program. As a matter-of-fact, I expect to be challenged, to learn new things, and new ways to use “old” things. I want to prove to the nay-sayers that an online education is as strong as one taken on a college campus.

I keep myself from achieving the “easy time of it” by trying to do too much. Not necessarily too much for the course, but I still try to keep up with my work at my school, family, church (all necessary to my well-being). Sometimes it is impossible to say, “No” to one more thing, one more request, one more draw on my time. As we gear up for testing season in public schools, more responsibility falls to some of us to bring students up to speed and generate whatever is requested from administration. Part of my higher education seems to be learning to allow myself to say, “No” occasionally.


 * 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?**

I successfully completed all the course assignments. I had to use the 2-day grace period a time or two, which did not please me at all. I am always disappointed in myself when I cannot meet a deadline. I felt several times during this course that I was in deep trouble and might not make it through. The worst was when we got the news that two days were being cut off the course and all our assignments were due Friday at 11:59pm rather than Sunday at 11:59pm. The two most productive days of the week and we lost them.

I was constantly aware of the time constraints, but not always able to work around them easily. I felt very discouraged during the last two weeks. I may have had an easier time had I only had to coordinate my own schedule, but since we had three weeks of group work to also complete, there were two others schedules to coordinate with in order to complete the tasks. Everything came together in the end and we completed our group scenario before 6:00pm this evening (6 hours “early”). Although I tried to cheer all of us on, it wasn’t until two days ago that I began to think we’d finish everything on time.


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

I learned from this course that I do not handle changing deadlines as well as I thought I did. It’s odd because my principal is constantly changing due dates and deadlines for reports, etc. But when it comes to the coursework for my Masters program, I get very annoyed when things to not fall into place as I plan them. I do not care for this part of me and will be working on my flexability over the coming weeks.

I found that I could handle several issues that arose with technology, both in the classroom and during an in-service. Sometimes I think I understand hardware better than anything. I continue to find that I enjoy learning new and exciting ways to introduce technology and programs into my classes. I especially enjoyed learning that the world does not come to an end when a student has to show me how to use a new software.

My leadership skills are becoming stronger as I move through these courses. Which I am sure is the whole idea. I feel far more comfortable speaking in front of a group, giving impromptu trainings, and developing curriculum for use with our students. My group voted me team leader, but honestly, they made it very easy for me. They both pulled their weight and during various times when each of us needed extra support, the others stepped in and helped out. Groups are amazing things!

My attitude towards learning new and exciting technologies and software continues to grow. I love working with it all. My attitude toward my students is changing, though. I know they need to learn to work with and manipulate all the technologies available now or will become available to them. I feel like they are so far behind and I want them to learn it all! Sometimes I try to give them too much at one time. As much a disservice as not teaching them at all.

I think perhaps the hardest to deal with is that I doubt myself more often than I use to. It’s almost as if the more I learn and the more I know the more I realize there is still to learn and know. I always “knew” I had a lot to learn and I embraced it. Or so I thought. Sometimes it is overwhelming. I try to push myself through those times, though. Learning is so much more difficult when one doubts oneself.