With the title, “Instructional Leadership”, I had the impression that we would be taught the traits to become those leaders on our campuses, now and in the future. After reviewing the goals and objectives of the course, I soon realized this was going to be a course with technology. Going into this course, I knew I had a lot to learn about technology. I had hoped I would learn how to help teachers like myself, incorporate technology into the classroom. I can honestly say I was somewhat disappointed. I do not feel that I developed the skills to refer myself as an “Instructional Leader”. There was some great information that I found valuable and able to take with me, such as the blogs. I had never “blogged” before, but can see the benefits of it and the transition of its use in the classroom. After all, if this non-technology-skilled person can do it, anyone can do it!
Due to the fact that what I thought the course would be about was not, it is difficult for me to say that my outcomes were achieved. My initial opinion did not match the final product. I believe that I could help my campus with its technology goals. The STaR chart analysis, Technology Long Range Plan, and AEIS are all factors that need to be considered by the committees to better the education for the students of such a technology driven society. It also helps administrators know where staff development needs to focused and assist the staff with the implementation of it in the classroom settings. Technology is an on- going learning experience and one that teachers and administrators must embrace with an open mind and positive attitudes.
Since this course was so technology driven, I do not feel I am walking away a technology leader. I have little background in the technology field. I am under the assumption that I should have had a better foundation in order to take more out of this class. The lack of previous knowledge hindered me to fully understand some concepts on my own. This can be expected however with an online course. The lack of communication or not having someone to assist you makes tasks a little more difficult.
The course assignments were carried out fully. I was able to create a blog, organizational chart, and power point and posted them to my blog. That was a new concept for me and one that can be carried out in the classroom. I enjoyed learning this because it is something that can be used in my day to day life as a teacher and also in the future as an administrator. The discussion board assignments were very repetitive. The readings seemed to be very similar to each other. The requirement of quoting each article and giving our opinion was not difficult. I did not think it was necessary for us to respond to two other comments of the same article. That seemed too much and nothing more than busy work. I would not have asked that of my students and do not feel it necessary it reach the learning goals and objectives. It was tedious and lacked purpose. It also took up too much room on the discussion board and made it difficult to read. The boards became too busy and inadequate. When the assignments had so many parts to them to be completed, I could not see the justification of the excessive discussions.
From this, I learned how discouraging it is to a student to be overwhelmed by requirements that are not necessary. I will definitely think twice before requiring some busy work to my students. I knew going in to this that my technology skills were lacking. When I realized this was more on technology than instructional leadership, I was a little frightened. The first week’s assignments were challenging, however I appreciated the extra week to get it completed. As with anything, the more you practice the easier the task becomes. I feel comfortable enough to incorporate some of the tasks such as blogging into my classroom. As much as I enjoyed learning and extending my technology knowledge, as I stated before, I was discouraged with the repetitiveness of the discussion board responses. I would hope that this can be looked at and revamped for future classes. It was also difficult and very frustrating at times because changes kept being made to requirements and due dates. I did not feel that all students, academic coachers, and professors were on the same page. It was lacking organization at times throughout the class. I hope the kinks can be worked out for future students as well.
Learning to blog was my favorite part of the course. I had heard of it, but never seen it or participated in one. This is becoming a great communication tool for the 21st century. I can envision its use as both a teacher and administrator. Students can create their own and discuss homework, readings, study, or anything pertaining to their education. Proper internet use and etiquette must be taught and the students must know there is a no tolerance rule for inappropriate behavior. Hopefully, the students will comply and be mature enough to engage in such activities.
As our technology changes, so does the way we must approach education. Technology is a new communication tool for teachers, administrators, and parents. However, caution must be taken when using it. Whether it is email or blogs, careful consideration must be given to how you say certain things or answer questions. Because it is being done electronically, there is no emotion for the other party to see. Things can be taken out of context, read incorrectly, or even changed without the others permission or knowledge. As with life, there are benefits to technology as well as consequences. That is why proper education must be given on the proper use of these tools. School stakeholders can participate in blogging. Administrators can communicate district news and policies. Teachers can communicate news from their classroom, homework help, have discussions, and post examples of works. Parents can use it to keep in the loop with their students’ education and to communicate with the teachers and administrators. A great advantage to the ever changing world we live in today!
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