Coming into this course, I was aware of applications and programs that may be used in the classroom to enhance instruction. I was aware that technology proves to be an engaging tool to captivate and challenge students (Kenney, 2011). However, I have gained a significant amount of knowledge on what it means to be a technology coordinator “behind the scenes”. What I mean by this, is that I have learned that it begins by setting goals and then working with your colleagues to achieve these goals. It is more than just using technology in one lesson and then saying you have successfully integrated technology into the classroom. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework was another aspect of this course that I had never heard of before and really, this is where it all begins. Teachers must be up-to-date, comfortable and knowledgeable on technologies that are used in their content area or on technologies that could enhance instruction in their content area. I also found researching current arguments in the educational world (BYOD, virtual schools, brick and mortar libraries, etc.) to be extremely relevant to the work I plan on doing. This has all strengthened me as an educator and also has motivated me to continue to develop myself as a technology integration specialist.
It is vital to perfect the technology integration craft and develop professional development to support this because it benefits all stakeholders involved. School systems can collaborate on what it means to be a school that prepares their students for the future workforce and beyond. “We are living in a new economy—powered by technology, fueled by information, and driven by knowledge” (Heman, 1999). We want to challenge our students to become part of the global competitive workforce and we must start at the core: What expectations do we have? How will we get there? How will we know when our students have achieved them? Collaboration and communication are key aspects to support this framework. Though we all must play our part in developing ourselves through professional development and research, it simply cannot be done by one person alone.
References:
Herman, A. (2009). Futurework-trends and challenges for work in the 21st century. United States Department of Labor. Retrieved from http://www.dol.gov/dol/aboutdol/history/herman/reports/futurework/execsum.htm
Kenney, L. (2011). Elementary education, there’s an app for that. The Elon Journal of Undergraduate Research in Communications. Retrieved from http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/academics/communications/research/vol2no1/07kenney.pdf
I didn't know much about TPACK before, either! We definitely have a lot of tools to use now!
ReplyDeleteBrittany, thanks for sharing! The information I have learned in this class has definitely strengthened me too! I also wasn't aware of all of the time and the amount of stakeholders that go into a professional development plan. It's not just setting up a training class, there is a lot more planning and preparation than I was aware of as well as the evaluation and ongoing training afterwards. I'm glad I learned about the many steps and processes that are involved!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a wonderful reflection on the course and what you have learned! :)
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