Assignment+week+1

A Summative Review of Leadership Technology in Education Relvis D. Zeigler


 * Leadership Technology**

** Into The Light ** This paper is my Examination of Masters in Educational Technology. The examination consists of my leadership goals, where I explain that I’m five years into my third career, and a vision of educational technology. It also presents a list of six influential courses that I believe greatly influenced my learning, a reflection of the overall program, a three year professional development plan, self evaluation, references and curriculum vitae.

Position Goal

I’m actually five years into my third career. I have spent 33years in the U.S. Army and 23 years in law enforcement. After several years of retirement, my wife, who had taught for 35 years, suggested that I might want to work as a substitute teacher. At first my comments were a little negative, but then I said I’d try it. Five years later I’ve become a certified teacher, teaching 5th grade students U.S. History. Much of my life has been in the service of others. Teaching has been one of the best jobs I have ever had. I actually enjoy interacting with the students and view this position as an adventure. I’m presently the social studies department head and one of the teacher facilitators for the district. I feel as if this has been a calling. I strive everyday to give students a positive male role model. This is something I feel many male and female students lack. For me, teaching is not a job but an adventure. My reason for pursuing this degree program started off a little selfish. I always strive “to be the best I can be”. After reading several articles about implementing technology into the classroom, I realized that most teachers had no idea about how to accomplish this other than allowing students to write reports. As I said earlier, my reason for entering this program was a little selfish. I was not looking for a position in technology, but to advance my own learning and possibly share what I have learned with my team and campus. I also see educators who are very uneasy or nervous when it comes to technology and my ultimate goal is to be the bridge that helps them to cross over into the 21st century. While many new technologies have emerged throughout history, so has the cry for educators to find meaningful ways to incorporate these technologies into the classroom (Klopfer, E., Osterweil, J., &Haas, J., 2009).

Week 1 Assignment, Part 1.3

EDLD 5306 Reflection

I think that some educators are still somewhat reluctant when it comes to the use of technology. Many can use email and basic word processing operations, but there are still those who fear it. This was one of my reasons for pursuing the courses that Lamar provides. I do believe that as younger educators enter the field the use of technology tools will increase. Most campus facilitators in my district have no formal technology training except for the fact that they enjoy creating or are not afraid to experiment. I really doubt that districts will insist that facilitators have adequate training before assuming their duties. I think that before this can happen a new administrative and district mindset has to occur. I also believe that teachers and administrators must continue to learn and grow in order to keep up with the constantly changing technology practices. As stated in the text, educators must be encouraged to seek basic skills in order to further integrate technology into the classroom. The thrust in districts is still passing statewide testing, and technology standards are on the back burner. According to Fatemi (1999, September 23) A major challenge for effective use of technology in the classroom is the inadequate professional development of teachers. We are told that we should integrate technology into the classroom but there is very little training for educators unless they seek it on there own. Jones( 2007) states rather than simply learning the basics of how to use the tool teachers must learn how to use the tool to improve teaching and learning in their classrooms. Professional development can help teachers keep up to date with new and effective practices in teaching and learning Sparks& Hirsh (1999).

Fatemi, E (1999, september 23). //Building the digital curriculum.// Education Week on the Web (online serial). Available: [|www.edweek.org/sreports/tco1/]. Jones, E (2007)., //Stratgies to put instruction ahead of technology.// Principal Leadership; Feb 2007; 7, 6; research Library pg.35. Mouza, C. (2003). //Learning to teach with new technology.// //Week 1 Assignment//, Part 1.4


 * EDLD 5333 Leadership for Accountability**