Final+Assessment

= Course Reflection =

At the beginning I expected to learn how to make distance learning lesson plans or something like that, but in its place, we were working on planning the use of technology that we have available into our lesson plans. I’m not complaining. I just had no idea what teaching with technology was. For example, I can see now why time is never available for the use of technology. It is not that you have to do your normal lesson plans and then save time for technology, it has to be planned conscientiously into the lesson and the time has to be considered. I was mistakenly assuming many things! I should search for technology that can be used, is readily available, and helps accomplish the curriculum goals for the lesson considered. Then we can make a lesson with integrated technology without any problems. So planning lessons considering all the variables that students and resources represent are fundamental for the success and efficacy of the activities we use in the classroom.

I think I achieved all the outcomes that were planned, and of course, they are relevant to my school. I can see that technological resources are always there, but our untrained minds do not see them because we do not know how and where to use them. I guess sometimes we do not even know what they are. I like the way many examples were shown because they represent a model for us to follow since sometimes we do not have the imagination and creativity needed to improve our use of it just by ourselves. I also respect the attitude of teachers in charge of those projects. They are not only optimistic but also realistic and aware that despite the advantages presented by technological resources and all the marvelous things that might be possible if available in the classroom, their implementation, as a regular resource, still has to fight a long battle. It is like the Santa Inquisition killing Copernicus. Change is always frightening.

 I did not participated in teleconferences. I am still afraid of some forms of technology. I personally do not like being photographed, videotaped, and/or video recorded. The digital immigrant in me interferes with my decisions. I am not ugly, but I am not beautiful either. I also know beauty is a debatable subject and depends of many variables. Still, when it comes to looking at me, in a picture or a video, my conscience makes me ill and my feelings suffer. I have a shy personality and my life is a work in progress. Just like the freeways on Houston. It reminds me one of the books of Hermann Hesse, where the character learns to do the hardest things in life but forgets about the easy and more enjoyable ones. I think is “the Steppenwolf”.

 I was successful completing the course assignments. They were time consuming and required a lot of effort to be completed. Some of them were also confusing. I was lucky to have teachers in my team that were so great. They were always in contact helping each other and working to finish everything in a timely manner. Using technology for collaborative work is an asset. One aspect that discourage me is how hard is to make good teams in our work places. In general, teachers are too unorganized, occupied preparing for TAKS, and afraid to try technology. In addition, districts are always playing defense against possible situations where somebody could or might sue them. They block most of the Web 2.0 tools as precautionary measure, but isolate students and teachers from good technological opportunities. Convincing administrators is hard when they have parents watching over their shoulders all the time and media crucifying technology everyday, so we have to adapt to the conditions and look for ways to teach, coach and lead students toward their future lives the best we possibly can.

 Each course I had taken in this program had surprises for me. During this one, I found myself evaluating the pros and cons of using technology in an //x// or //y// manner, or finding explanations and reasons about why something is happening in my district, my classroom or my students. In this course I not only learned that I must be part of a good team, I also learned that as part of a team, the stronger I become in something, the stronger my team will become too. I need to reach out for people who are willing to help me improve my abilities and skills as well as allow me to work with them and share what I am good at it. In particular, I found myself being comfortable in situations where open-mindedness and serenity are necessary to solve problems. I enjoy being challenged, but my condition of digital immigrant makes me get confused and doubtful at times. Finally, I had noticed that my concept of leadership had been changing. I am a team member rather than a manager. I enjoy getting together with a team and solve problems. Now I find team members going in unexpected directions as normal, as long as goals originally established are respected.