Reading+Reflections+TF-+VIII

TF-VIII Leadership and Vision
Educational technology facilitators will contribute to the shared vision for campus integration of technology, and foster an environment and culture conductive to the realization of the vision.

Inspiring a diverse group of people to establish and accomplish common goals is critical in enabling in the success of school improvement. There has to be a strong vision for effective use or technologies will be underutilized. I feel that our school has the strong leadership and a strong vision needed for a new way of teaching and learning in our classrooms. I understand that apathy and resistance will be hard to overcome; veteran teachers may not want to learn yet another technology. I understand that many are reluctant to focus on technology-supported learning. To many teachers, this seems useless. We have underutilized programs that the district has invested in that goes untapped. Many teachers feel that they can do better than computer programs in instilling instruction. Research has shown that our students can use the computer to reinforce learning. According to Southwest Educational Development Laboratories, "Teachers should consider learning goals before using technology. Technology can complement constructivism to support increased student engagement, learning, and achievement." Additionally, it should be noted that: "Not every lesson needs technology. While there may be opportunities to attach technology to many activities, teachers must consider lesson goals before deciding to use technology. If computers enrich, extend or facilitate learning, they should be used. If not, they shouldn't "(Southwest Educational Development Laboratories, 2009).
 * Self –Assessment**

I understand that a technology plan requires: a vision describing technology use and student learning goals; a description of current technology; an action plan with goals and strategies, and an evaluation plan that shows how progress will be measured (Williamson and Redish, 2009). An important message to remember, "The National Education Technology Plan, Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology, calls for applying the advanced technologies used in our daily personal and professional lives to our entire education system to improve student learning, accelerate and scale up the adoption of effective practices, and use data and information for continuous improvement" (U. S. Department of Education).

I feel that this standard will have the support of the principal and stakeholders. Many times our district invests in technology with our students in mind. They want them to be prepared for twenty-first century success.

I learned that I must work to unify community stakeholders. I do not see this as a problem. With proper research-based information, cost analysis, and benefits to student learning. I will have to work with technology directors and educational coach to make sure that the vision does not turn into a nightmare. Many times what looks good is not a good fit for our school. Also, those in power may flatly say "no." I will have to remain knowledgeable about best practices in educational technology.
 * Learn as a Learner**

In the future, I will need to keep abreast of current, research based technology that is student centered. The vision for our school is student success on all State mandated tests. With the advent of the new STARR test, it will be up to me to find technology that will prepare our students for this new assessment. Again, I will work with principals, educational coach, lead counselors, and technology director to achieve our vision for success. A question for research: How will I find research relevant to local issues? How can I support the learning of inner-city youth without compromising the district's standards of success.
 * Lifelong Learning Skills**

Southwest Educational Development Laboratories. (2009). Using Technology to Enhance Learning. Classroom Technology and Constructivism. Retrieved from http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tec26/classtech.html. U. S. Department of Education. (2010). National education technology plan 2010. Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/technology/netp-2010. Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

