5370 Week One Assignment, Part 1.5 corrected

Self-Assessment


As I reflect on the knowledge I have gained throughout this curriculum, Standard I is where I started in knowledge gained. “In TF/TL Standard I: Technology Operations and Concepts, technology facilitators and leaders ensure that their colleagues possess the fundamental understanding and skills needed to operate specific technologies and understand the concepts associated with technology use.” (Redish & Williamson, 2009, p. 17) My previous experience with educational technology was learning to write Disc Operating System code and make rudimentary Artificial Intelligence teaching programs. I later taught computer applications to high school students, but that curriculum from 1990 pales to just the information received in this degree. I know that the students I taught then are now beyond me in my technology abilities because they are now my friends on Facebook. During my internship for my masters program, I was able to assist the technology director by attendance at her training sessions for the new student data system program Aware. I also was able to share websites with sixth, eighth and twelfth grade science teachers for use with simulations and teaching. Sharing with teachers new information I had learned in my masters courses, along with my wiki, electronic book and blog were also an enjoyable and beneficial activity for my field based activities.


Learn as a Learner

Collaboration and experimentation were both important avenues to success. I previously knew subject matter related to hardware, software, care, and maintenance of computers. The new areas for me centered on the use of cloud computing. I had not ventured much into the “cloud” even though I knew of some activities and opportunities available. Learning this standard through internship activities and course assignments opened up new learning for me. I did find it hard to get used to utilizing the open-source software on the web. Previously, I had run into too many viruses and malware, which made me shy away from their use. Now, I feel differently – that I can successfully choose software that is safe.

Lifelong Learning Skills

Learning about the new available software programs through my classes opens up many future opportunities for me. How the educational environment uses these tools is critical for future educational work and learning. So many new capabilities from video technology to podcasts to animation are available now for use. I had not tried to create anything in these areas prior to my Lamar classes. My experiences in my masters’ coursework give me the ability to be a lifelong learner in the “cloud”.

Works Cited
Redish, T., & Williamson, J. (2009). ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every k-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene: International Society for Technology in Education.