What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?
This course was called Concept of Educational Technology and when I read the title, it came to me the idea that it was going to be some kind of overview. As an overview, you normally expect subjects to be covered lightly and with some examples but no practice or outcomes to achieve. I did get what I was expecting, I believe the course gave me that and more. It cover information that never cross my mind could be part of the content. The alignment is correct, go through the basis and cover some areas in detail. Well, detail is not the word. I believe is the practice that makes the difference. The fact that you read, practice and then develop a product helps to reinforce part of the information read or seen. Somehow I knew that internet tool were going to be covered and the content was appropriate to 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?
The extent was good but was not target to be used immediately into the classroom environment. Simply because some of the examples are general, many choices and possibilities to answer. I will use most of them to enrich my students learning. Relevant it is at some degree. I could use some of those applications that I have practiced to develop activities to engage my students into something new. I know that this will keep them interested and they will learn too. The development of ideas to introduce content might delay this process. Then we come to the point, I know how to use it and I recognize that using them could help my students, but not sure how to introduce the content. The reason that it couldn't be relevant is simply because no curricula specifically covers o target the advances of technology at this level for my students. The benefit could be expected in the future years.
What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?
The content, is not totally achieved. The reason has to be the amount of information and the short amount of time to cover. To be concrete, I would say the standards require more study. I know where to find them but at this time my knowledge is general. Standards are not required for my actual function and there are vague if not apply immediately. Definitely are important and I would go in detail if I need them. Some of the tools were designed to collaborate and we didn't do effectively. It took time to lost the fear of the unknown. I feel more confident now and I'm sure we will collaborate efficiently in the coming courses. Another one could be my blog and wiki. The blog needs more interaction and my wiki appearance is not the best one. The way I see it, all I needed was more time to practice.
Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?
I believe I was successful to deliver most of my assignments. To me, my limitation are my work and my family. They both require some of my attentions and that limits my time to study and the time to prepare my assignments. My week was planned to do my study during the night and by them I was a extremely tired. I did my best to read my articles and watched the videos. Noticed that readings were a great background for the assignments and I did cover all of them. I wasn't discouraged at all. I felt a bit nervous at the beginning since it is my first time having and online education. Then overwhelmed by the amount of work . Finally, relief at the end of the first week. My grade was not the best but gave me something important, confidence. My schedule took shape and I did stay on task day by day.
What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?
I thought I had a good understanding of the educational technology and this course made me realize that it wasn't true. My use of internet tools is limited when it comes to classroom applications and I must follow the rules to be able to teach my students. The importance to educate of the potential dangers of the technology and how responsible we need to be when handling information . About me, I still have that desire to learn and it was good to feel it. Make me realize how my students feel, well, at least some of them. I must focus on develop my leadership skills, I can see from my plan that I need to educate me and practice more. When it comes to technology, I finally understood that is not just the equipment but the how to use it to make students learn and be prepared for the uncertainties of the future.
