EDLD+5370+Comprehensive+Exam



Technology Leadership – Comprehensive Examination Alberto Guia Lamar University As I look back over the past 17 months or so I begin to wonder did I do the right thing? Did I make the right choice in regards to my degree in Educational Technology Leadership rather than Administration? This though is now even more relevant to me today since I was just released from my position on my campus as the school computer teacher and technology leader. Through all this looking and the recent bad news I think I did. I think our students need technology, more than ever, and the education system needs leaders who are trained in this field to help guide the student, the teachers, and the administration into the 21st Century, even though they don’t yet realize it themselves. **Career and Leadership Goal** To career, leadership and me goals, are a hard concept to wrap my head around. It may sound like a very simple concept, what do I want to do with my work and how do I want to help others along the way? But thinking ahead I have several things I want to do with my career in the education field as well as options and idea for outside of it. Within the education field my career and leadership goals are very simple, in fact I think too simple, I want to help students and teachers better understand technology and get them to realize that with technology everyone’s life’s will be easier and full of more opportunities. “The technologies that benefit young children the greatest are those that are interactive and allow the child to develop their curiosity, problem solving and independent thinking skills.” (Perry) I think that technology makes the classroom more interactive for students, thus allowing them to become more involved in the lesson and in turn allowing them to better retain and synthesis the information. Without technology savvy teachers and more importantly technology savvy leaders those experiences that our students need and quite frankly deserve will never happen. As the technology leader on the campus it will be my job to better equip the staff and administrators on how to integrate technology successfully in to the classroom. **Vision of Educational Technology** In today’s environment technology is ever more prevalent in the classroom. Technology is no longer a taboo but a must have for our youth, the “Digital Natives” (Prensky). As I first begin my graduate program I thought I was very advanced and savvy in regards to technology and the must have and how to’s. After the first few classes I began to realize there is much more to technology than an Iphone or a Spartboard in the classroom. In today’s classrooms a teacher cannot live without technology such as a digital projector, document camera, computer workstations, etc. This is something I feel as an educational technology leader as the must have’s for a classroom. But as my courses advanced I began to turn my attention to even more “advanced” technology such a Web 2.0. These tools include videoconferences, 2nd Life, blogs, wikis, glogs, etc. These technological advances allows for the instructor and students to stay connected in a virtual classroom way beyond the normal operating school hours. Even more than before students can have unprecedented access to their teachers, share information, collaborate outside the normal classroom and gain knowledge on a 24 hours 7 days a week basis. In order for student to be able to take full advantage to the tools that we as educators are trying to prepare them for I strongly feel that basic internet access is a must have for all students. Being a teacher from a low-income neighborhood, where 97% of the students are on free or reduced lunch, the students are not able to fully take advantage of the on-line tools. As a technology leader I think that school districts should have an obligation to the students they serve to provide the with free home Internet access. Yes I know many school districts are going through budget cuts and crises, I was just released from my position as the campus only computer teacher and technology leader, due to funding and program cuts. Despite this looming dilemma schools need to ensure that their students are able to learn and compete with students who have unlimited resources. In today’s workforce even the smallest job requires that the individuals know the basic computer skills and in today’s market that means being able to use and productively navigate through the Internet. **Lessons Learned – Knowledge Gained** Looking back over the past 18 months, I begin to wonder what have I really accomplished or what have I really learned about technology and what it takes to be a school leader. I can honestly say I have learned a lot about myself, my technology and leadership skills, and my attitude towards technology and the key role it will play in the education field. First what have I learned about myself? This type of question I often hard to answer. It requires the people to really look inside themselves and truly ponder the idea of me. After much thought I can say I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned I can accomplish great things, such as starting and finishing an intensive Master’s program. I have learned that my skills as a technology and overall school leader have improved to better serve my students and my colleagues. I have learned I can fully function regardless of the situation or circumstance regarding my employment location and job duties. Second what have I learned about my technology and leadership skills? At my former school, which I was employed for the past three years until last week when I was unexpectedly transferred, I thought I knew everything when it came to school technology. I was the school’s only certified computer teacher, running three computer labs, and the go to guy for anything and everything about technology for the entire staff, including the administration. After finishing the past 11 courses I can say I really did not know much but now I am better equipped as a teacher and a technology leader to help my new students, staff, and eventually my school district. I have learned that technology goes way beyond using a document camera in the classroom instead of the old fashion overhead projector. I learned that technology really means everything and anything that the kids and adults use in their everyday lives. Such technologies include cell phones, Ipods/Iphones, blogs, glogs, wikis, and other Web 2.0 programs and equipment. Technology is really what you use but more importantly how you use it. Technology has to be something that motivates students to want to learn, it make them want to wake up in the and actually come to class. Technology has to be fully integrated into the “flow” of the classroom as well as able to go across the curriculum, allowing it to fully engulf the students thus allowing them to fully absorb the material. Now with technology in the classroom, in the school, and in the school district comes the need for trained individuals who know how to use it but also how to lead and show others. I feel a good technology leader should be able to fully operate and show others how to use a program, website, equipment, etc. Now a great technology leader is someone who can everything stated above but also burn paths for new forms of technology and new uses for old ones. Technology in the classroom has come a long way, it has evolved over the past 20 years and now schools need technology leaders who can stay current with such changes and help others fully understand and integrate it in their content area. Technology is not a fad, it is not something that will go away and today’s technology leaders at the campus levels are the one’s who I feel are the most critical in leading the charge for change. These leaders are on the front lines and dealing with everyday issues and concern with teachers and administrators and are able to do the most good for their campus and then eventually their district. What have I learned about my attitudes? I think my attitude about technology is the same, technology is a vital part of education and without technology students are deeply handicapped and cannot be successful in college or in the work force. Technology is embedded into everybody’s everyday lives. It is something that most people wake up to and go to bed with. As educators we have to find ways to feed this need for technology in the classroom to help student learned. **Six Influential Courses** Over the past 18 months I have covered a vast variety of courses and subjects. I have gained and endless list of resources and contacts that will help me in my future as not only a teacher but also as a technology leader. Being forced to pick the top six courses of the Master’s program is not an easy task and required me to think hard and deep about what I felt impacted me the most and I gained the most knowledge. **EDLD 5306 Fundamental of Educational Technology** The first course I decided was most influential to me during the program was our very first course, EDLD 5306 Fundamentals of Educational Technology. This was a great starter course into the program as it gave a taste of what we should expect in the overall program. The course introduced me to terms that I never heard but know what they stood for, such as “digital native” and “digital immigrants” (Prensky). As a computer teacher I knew that most of my students were far more tech savvy than most of their teachers but did not know that their was terminology for this now that research has been done on the subject. This course also introduced me to the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology. This was new to me and I was a great eye-opener. I showed what the state envisioned for the students in regards to technology and their proficiency. I discussed how this was all part of a federal mandate of No Child Left Behind and all student needed to be technology proficient by the 8th grade. The course helped me better understand the Technology TEKS and how they were aligned with ISTE Technology Standards. **EDLD 5368 Instructional Design** My second course that I felt was influential to me during this program was EDLD 5368 Instructional Design. I think this course was extremely beneficial for many reasons but my main was the Ubd method for backwards planning. As a teacher I write lesson plans every week but with the knowledge gained from this course in regards to working backwards by Wiggins and McTighe (2005) allowed me to think and plan better. It helped me learned how to work backwards to find the “who’s” and “how’s” of the lesson so my students could better understand the material. **EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology** My third course that I felt was influential on me during this program was EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology. As a former computer teacher I used technology in my classroom every day. I thought I was giving all the students can learn with technology until I started this course. This course gave me a good introduction to Google Docs and the power you have with the program. It showed me how as educators we can use this powerful tool to collaborate with each other and eventually with my students. With this knowledge I was able to create and maintain a campus Google Doc on schedules and weekly common assessments for teachers. I was able to do staff development with how to sign-up, create, and share information in real time with other educators in the same room, building, or across the world. **EDLD 5344 School Law** My fourth course that I felt was very influential to me was EDLD 5344 School Law. As an educator we are faced with legal issues all the time. We are dealing with on a daily basis issues from copyright violations, but we call it sharing, to rights of the teachers and students, to how to handle sensitive material on student data and information. However in this course I think I learned the most knowledge is in the field of special education. I did not know there were so many laws that drown the field of special education. These laws are set up to help the students but in the schools we see some of them as hindering them. This course showed me different aspects of special education law, both state and federal; that I did not know existed. It gave me a great basic understanding of teacher rights as well as information on intelligential property. **EDLD 5301 Research** My fifth course of greatest influential for the Master’s program was EDLD 5301 Research. This was a very difficult class for me but I think still very beneficial. The course gave me a great look into scholarly writing. It gave me the basic understanding on scholarly research and different methods to gather information and how to properly share your findings. This will become very important if and when I decide to continue my education and peruse an educational doctorate degree. **5362 Informational Systems Management** My sixth and last course I felt was very influential in my Master’s program was EDLD 5362 Informational Systems Management. I think this course was beneficial because it introduced me to the world of information and information security. This course allowed me to talk with district personnel who dealt with online systems that housed the student’s sensitive information. I was able to learn about system security and how time consuming the process of keeping information secures. I also learned about how laws are in place to ensure that only certain people are allowed to assess sensitive student and teacher information. **Reflections of Overall Program** As a young adult in high school I can honestly say I did not have any desire to become a teacher. I actually was not a model student. I think I walked out of high school with some knowledge but no real “idea” of what I wanted to do with my life. I attended junior college for a year or so but never really gave it much effort. As the years pasted by and I began to start a family I began to wonder what could I do to better myself for the betterment of my family. I was at this point I decided that education was the field for me. I went back to school on a full time basis and actually gave it my full attention. I was able to finish my under graduate work in 3 years and started my career as a classroom teacher doing 5th grade science. I was doing a new concept to help boost the school’s TAKS scores in science; I was to do science in a new computer lab to give enrichment and a new perspective for the students. The pilot program only last a half a school year since the school’s principal retired and the new management come aboard and did not like the use of the lab or the science concept behind it. With the principal came my love for technology. She decided to make me the new computer lab teacher, helping the current computer teacher who was running the school’s other computer lab. It was this when I realized that my calling was in the education field but in a technology setting. I think that technology should be a staple in ever child’s education, just as is core curriculum and subjects. Technology is not a fad; it will not fade away as many school concepts and theories. Technology is now a must have for our students to learn, understanding, and perform in a real world setting in order for them to compete with others from around the world. It is from this love of technology that I decided to pursue my master’s degree with Lamar University’s Academic Partnership in the field of Educational Technology Leadership. When I first learned the program was entirely on-line, I almost decided not to do the program. I’m the kind of student who believes if I’m paying good money to go to school I want a professor to look at each time I go to class. Plus I thought I would not have the dedication to do work on my on without the feeling that I have to do an assignment or read a chapter before my next class; I knew I was too much of a procrastinator. Looking at the entire program I can honestly say it was not as bad as I thought it would be. The professor have all been helpful and the instructional coaches are always each to communicate with and very timely. In the very few instances where I had issues with the program, both web-based or downloaded program, the tech support department was very easy to reach, easy to work with, and most importantly extremely helpful. I would easily recommend Lamar University’s Academic Partnership to any of my colleagues and of course suggest their major should be Educational Technology Leadership. **Three-Year Professional Development Plan** Looking at the future I can honestly say I do not have a clue on what I want to do. I have pondered the concept of continuing my education and pursuing my doctorate in administration. I have always wanted to be a school principal but over the past few years, watching my current school’s administration struggle to gain control of their own school, I seen first hand how stressful this position can be. I hope to one day get back into the computer lab, wishing my school district will realize they need computer teachers in the elementary level to service the students as well as the teachers with their technology needs and assist with technology classroom integration. For this school year, in my new position as a 4th grade science/social studies teacher I plan to try and help my new campus integrate technology into the classroom. My new campus has the budget to supply all campus teachers with a document camera and digital projector. These basic classroom tools are a great way to bring new ideas and life experiences into the classroom. As I walk around the campus I notice many of the teachers have not set up or now how to take full advantage of these great tool. I plan to start monthly professional development sessions for the teachers so they can be fully prepared on how to use the equipment. As a technology professional and enthusiast I plan to attend both TCEA and ISTE conferences this school year to better build my understanding of technology and gain new contacts and resources in technology integration and education. For my second year I hope to come to a decision on whether or not to continue my education and pursue my doctorate in Educational Administration. I think whom best to lead the way for technology in the school than the school leader, the principal. I have worked for 4 principals over the past 3 years and none of them had the technology background or foresight to include this major aspect into their yearly budget. I think that technology should always be included, if not a big part, of the school’s general budget. We have to keep on top of current technology as well as try to improve on what we currently have in our schools. I do know that students need to learn how to read, write, and compute math problems but without a firm technology foundation they will be lacking the necessary skills to compete in today’s job market and college institutions. In my third year I hope to be fully engulfed in my doctorate studies and in a technology leadership in the school district. I feel with the knowledge I gained from Lamar’s program I would make a great fit in the central office setting as a technology coach or coordinator. I think my school district is so large that it often forgets how to get personal with the students and employees it meant to serve. I think a technology leader at the district leader should spend a lot of time in the field and not in the office. A leader can only lead people if they know what they are going through, they have to walk a mile in their shoes. I hope in a new role as a technology leader at the district level I can bring change at the campus level to help provide the basic needs into each classroom. I feel all teachers need to have a student computer center in each classroom, with at least 4 computers, a document camera, a digital projector, and some brand of student response system or clickers. With these basic tools I feel teacher can bring new knowledge to student and use them as spring boards to bring the Web 2.0 technologies such as wikis, blogs, glogs, and streaming videos.

Richardson, TX 75080
o M.Ed of Educational Technology Leadership at Lamar University Anticipated Dec. 2010 o Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Early Childhood – 4th Grade Generalists) at Texas A&M University – Commerce. Dec. 2007. · President’s Scholar Spring 2007 · Dean’s List Fall 2006 · President’s Scholar Spring 2006 · Kappa Delta Phi – Educators Honor Society · Alpha Sigma Lambda – Adult Learner Honor Society = = =__ Teaching Experience __= = o George W. Truett Elem (DISD) Computer Teacher/Campus Technologist March 2008 – Present = · Taught student’s in grades K-5 on Technology TEKS · In charge of campus technology support/maintenance, training, purchasing, and inventory. o Internship – 3rd Math ESL & 1st Highland Meadows Elem. (Dallas) Jan. – May 2007 o Resident – 3rd Math ESL & K Highland Meadows Elem. (Dallas) Aug. – Dec 2007
 * __Education__**
 * Student Teaching**
 * Taught daily math lessons in compliance with district planning guide (CPG).
 * Tutored students before school in small groups for 3rd and 1st grade.
 * In charge of 1st grade math center as well as whole classroom instruction.
 * In charge of weekly vocabulary words, review, and tests.
 * Planned and taught lessons daily for both 3rd grade and kindergarten that was both whole class and small group and was in compliance with district planning guide (CPG).

o 08/06-09/07 The Texas Club – Front Desk o 03/98–11/05 Brink’s ATM Services – Senior Customer Support Agent/Helpdesk/Trainer
 * __Other Work Experience__**
 * Log in gym members daily.
 * In charge if daily sales and end of shift reconciliation.
 * Trained new employees.
 * Provided nationwide support for company electronic ATM locking systems.
 * Senior floor agent; handled internal and external customer escalations and provided consult/guidance for other support agents.

**__Achievements__**
o Brink’s Employee of the Year – 2000 o Brink’s Employee of the Month – Feb. 2000, April 2000, June 2000, Aug. 2000, Oct. 2000, April 2001, June 2002, Jan. 2003, March 2003 and Nov. 2003. o Brink’s Employee of the Quarter – 2nd Quarter 2000, 3rd Quarter 2000, 4th Quarter 2000, 2nd Quarter 2001, 2nd Quarter 2002 and 1st Quarter 2003.

**References** Johnson, L., Smith, R., Levine, A. & Haywood, K. (2010). //2010 Horizon Report: K-12 Edition.// Austin, TX: The New Media Consortium. Retrieved October 17, 2010 from //www.nmc.org/pdf/2010-Horizon-Report.pdf// Perry, B. (n.d.). Using Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom. //Teaching Resources, Children's Book Recommendations, and Student Activities | Scholastic.com//. Retrieved October 10, 2010, from http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/using_technology.htm Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. //On the Horizon//, //9//(5), 1. Texas Education Agency. (2006). //Long-Range Plan for Technology.// [] Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (2005). //Understanding by Design.// Alexandra, VA. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //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.