Course+Embedded+Reflections

EDLD 5306 The Concepts of Educational Technology Before enrolling into this course I had very little information of why we did things such as the Star Chart Inventory. Each year we recieved a mandate via email to complete the survey but it was never explained why it was important. This course gave me the information I needed in oreder to understand why. Veteran teachers did'nt really know why either. They just followed like sheep and did what they wer told. This was one of my first courses and the course that I was able to share my new knowledge with. I shared this information with my team and they were amazed. The fact that many of the assignments are hands on is very helpful. I'm sort of a hands on person and that is how I learn better. I share many of my assignments with my school team which also helps to intergrate different learning techniques into the classroom.

The information that I recieved from this course helped me to understand different concepts and ways to apply what I have learned with my campus team. I have no desire to be in administration but it helps me to understand why we do what we do at the campus, district , and state levels. I,m still wondering why my principal has not explained the campus vision to the staff. recently the principal has asked for volunteers to join the Site Based Decision Team. She is setting higher goals but I feel that she is approaching it the wrong way especially after taking this course. I can see that we are lacking a school wide plan that will be meaningful, not just words on paper. I continue to share what I have learned with my team and anyone who wants to listen. I share what I have learned as much as possible because I believe the better that I am prepared the better the more the students will achieve.
 * EDLD 5333 Leadership for Accountability**


 * EDLD 5362 Information System Management.**

When I think about information systems management I picture a large corporate computer system. I actually never gave much though to a software application for educational establishments to manage student data. The readings from the text helped me to understand the importance of selecting the appropriate information system. Although I've used these systems for years it never occurred to me what system was in place to manage educational information. Schools manage these systems on a daily basis such as grades, attendance and student schedules. I also learned the meanings of several acronyms such as student informations systems (SIMS, SIM) , student records system (SMS). I actually envision a time when all the information we need about students will be on a digital bracelet. According to Bernhardt(2009). If a school wants to improve student learning it must utilize data. Using data effectively requires data tools particularly student information systems, data warehouses , and instructional management systems.

Bernhart, V. (2009). Data, Data , Everywhere: //Bring all the data together for continuous school improvement.// Bernhart, V. (2007). //Translating data into information to improve teaching and learning.// Bernhart, V. (2000). //The example school portfolio.//

EDLD 5363 Video Technology and Multimedia Productions.

Before this assignment I had very little knowledge about Video Technology and Multimedia Productions. I learned how to produce a Public Service Announcement, but more than that, I learned the Import- ance of collaboration when producing a project like PSA or any multimedia production. At first I was a little skeptical about working with people I didn’t know. Actually, I find it very difficult to rely on someone else. One of the things I learned during the course is the procedures necessary to produce a quality project. I was surprised when all the team members began to work together and communicate openly and professionally. Everyone on the team carried his/her own weight and wanted to ensure that we had a quality project. We constantly communicated with each other at least three times a week. It would have been good if we had more time and a little more information when doing an assignment. One of the things I enjoyed is that the assignment was hands-on and I tend to learn better that way. This project also helped me to be a little more trusting when it comes to working with others. This type of learning online is great for me. I tend to be well disciplined, and I enjoy sharing what I have learned with my team members.

EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology

I have actually been exposed to a great deal of information that I find to be valuable. Much of what I have learned is information that I can use immediately to improve my teaching. I can now understand how the use of technology tools cannot only help students and teachers organize and record goals it also can provide a ready-made instrument for communications. I also understand that feedback is essential to keeping the learning process moving in the right direction. Every school year we are tasked to complete a Star Chart and many teachers in my school district frequently have questions as why this is important. I can now explain this to those who have questions. This is because of this course. There is always the question how to integrate technology into the classroom. This course has explained the how. I also found " If I Teach This Way Am I Doing My Job?" Many teachers feel that the way to do their job is to teach the way it has been done for years. "Teachers worry about losing control, not fulfilling their role or being seen as less effective by parents , principals or supervisors.

EDLD 5365 Web Design

The expectations for this course were met, except it needed more hands on components

attached to it. However, I did learn basic concepts and background which helped with

understanding the necessary skills. I had no background in web design before this course.

After several weeks of this course I was able to evaluate my school web site and produce

or enhance the rules and procedures for the use of technology in the classroom by

students and staff. All the information I have learned is information that I can share with

my team and campus, starting by creating internet safety procedures in the computer

labs. It was not difficult to complete the assignments, as long as enough time was

allotted to thoroughly read the materials.

EDLD 5366 Digital Graphics

I found the digital graphics course to be very engaging. I enjoyed the hands on approach and I learned the theory behind creating a good newsletter. It was like publishing a major magazine. I basically learned what it takes to produce a quality newsletter and I was introduced to several examples of a good newsletter. When you pick up a magazine or newsletter you never think about the work it took to produce it. In this course I learned about basic design principles such as contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity. First basic principle is contrast and according to this article contrast is the single most important element in a design (Yearwood, 2009). I really enjoyed creating the newsletter. I taught what I learned to my team, and we created a social studies newsletter for the 5th grade. The only negative comment that I have is the coach for the course at the time was not very helpful when I was having a technical issue. I finally spoke with the professor and my issue was finally addressed.

EDLD 5368 Instructional Design

When I think back on instructional design the readings were helpful and informative but at times the lessons were very stressful. The online lesson was to ceate a course in schoology. At times the course was very frustrating because of the lack of information that was available at the time. I hope that this information is useful. However I really doubt that a school district will enbrace the schoology concept. This approach might be useful in the private sector for distance learning in corporate training. I shared schoology with my team and asked them what value they could find for the use of this program. I think the main purpose of instructional design, as I see it, is to maximize the effectiveness , efficiency and appeal of instruction Kurich (2006).