EDLD5364+Final+Assessment+-+Couse+Reflection+Responses

**1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?**

When I started this course, I had envisioned that I would learn how to incorporate technology into current learning theory in a way that would benefit me as well as the students. Incorporating technology into the educational system is a huge task and I was a bit concerned about having enough time to delve into the issue properly. This issue takes on some many different side issues and involves almost every component of the educational system and that concerned me. How were we going to have time to go over everything necessary?

Between the videos, the readings, and the assignments, we were able to cover much more than I ever expected in a 5 week period. As I read over the Learning Outcomes for the course, I realize that we met those and more. We learned to show how technology can enhance current learning theory, how to evaluate the best technology practices for the students, how to create effective learning environments, how to design effective learning units, and how to solve problems using current technology trends. So, I would say that we definitely met the outcomes for this course.


 * 2. To the extent that you achived the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?**

Well, this question is a bit difficult for me to answer because I do not teach. If I put myself in the role of a district technology specialist, then yes, the outcomes would be particularly relevant for me. So, for the sake of answering this question properly, I will assume the role of district technology specialist. The outcomes would be relevant for many reasons, and the first of which would be because it is my job to incorporate technology into the curriculum. This course has given me the tools to effectively evaluate, chose, and implement current technology trends into the curriculum. It has also given me the skills necessary to work with other teachers and educators and help them implement technology programs. It has also provided me with the knowledge to work with a diverse community of educators and students and has shown me how to address all of their needs properly. Overall, I feel that this course was very comprehensive and gave me the tools necessary to be an effective technology leader.


 * 3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?**

I really can’t think of any outcomes that I didn’t achieve. I found myself on several occasions complaining about the amount of work, but as I sit here writing about what I have learned, I realize just how much I got out of the class.

The only possible negative factor for me would be that I didn’t have more time to delve into the programs that came up in this course. The UDL Lesson planner and The Book were fantastic tools and I wish that we had more time to explore these things. I also didn’t have time to do the Web Conferences and that was a disappointment for me. Also, there were many things that I would have liked to have done with my group and just simply couldn’t find the time to get everyone together.

Overall, I can’t think of anything that was missed in the outcomes or that prevented me from achieving them other than time constraints. Unfortunately, in this format, there is not much that can be done about that though.


 * 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?**

Yes, I was successful in completing the course assignments. The assignments were extremely challenging but I somehow managed to get them done. The Week One and Two assignments were completely manageable time wise, but Week Three was almost too much for a one week period. I wished that the tasks from Week Three would have been a bit more spread out. The Lesson Plan in itself was extremely time-consuming, and I felt that is was very important to the class, so I wanted to spend more time with it. This was impossible because of the other things that were due that week. I did manage to complete all of the tasks that week, but wasn’t able to give them all of the attention that I would have liked. Working with my group for this class was a pleasure and was a huge factor in getting the assignments done on time. Everyone did what they were supposed to and on time, which made completing the assignments much easier.


 * 5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?**

I learned what I always learn about myself when I’m challenged, and that is, that I always underestimate my abilities. When I looked ahead during the first week of class, I couldn’t imagine that I would be able to successfully complete these tasks. I was somehow able to rise above my apparent low self-confidence and pull it together though. I suppose that my attitudes are not all that different from others of my generation, and they are apparently imbedded to my core. Even though I have been around technology since the early 1980’s, I still feel that sinking feeling when I encounter something new. I’m always afraid that someone will come up with something that I just can’t understand.

I have learned through working with groups that my leadership skills are better than I thought. I seem to have leadership qualities to that rise to the surface when necessary. Because I have never really worked in a leadership capacity, this had never been apparent to me. This was a pleasant surprise and gives me hope for the future as a technology leader.