I will be blogging from the upcoming NECC Conference. Check out my conference Ning!
http://www.necc2008.org/profile/Derek
I will also be streaming live feeds from the conference. Tune in at one of the following sites:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/whatz-happening-now
http://www.livestream.com/whatzhappeningnow
Please follow me!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Long time, No Blog!
It has been far too long since my last blog! Much has happened that should have been written. This blog will serve as a reflection on my experience as a first-year Technology Coordinator.
Accomplishments:
Accomplishments:
- Advanced technology management skills through problem solving
- Learned more about network management
- Setup Google Doc files to track orders and equipment
- Became more Mac proficient (still learning!)
- Developed dual platform skills
- Learned more about tech integration needs for SpEd students
- Learned the value of having students plan projects on paper before beginning work
- Learned how time-consuming technology can be (my motto: Technology takes time!)
- More proficient at school website management
- Designing A/V Lab for school
- Prepared new computer lab for students to use (Management software & Deep Freeze are essential!)
- Wrote Parent Technology CUrriculum for school parent training
- Implemented EdTech strategies learned from Walden University Ph. D. program
Challenges to Overcome:
- Only served 3 classes last year, going school-wide for upcoming year
- Need time to train all staff in technology
- Need to develop better communication system for teachers
- Teacers do not use available software and technology for instruction
- Students are eager to learn but have interfering behaviors
- Need to develop a database for lessons
- Educational leadership requires additional technology training
- Need checks and balances to ensure that teachers are updating webpage
The list could continue but these are my present reflections. Overall, it was a good year of learning for me ( and the students and staff, I hope!). I did not accomplish as much as I had hoped and was not able to use as much knowledge as I have gained from my doctoral program. I plan to incorporate more strategies next year and use more web 2.0 tools for learning.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Obama and Technology
It is wonderful to celebrate the fact that we finally have a president who has embraced technology. Whether fighting to keep his Blackberry or looking ahead at providing the infrastructure necessary for public access to the Internet in all major U.S. cities, President Barack Obama has made it clear that technology is necessary for the growth and advancement of our nation and society. Click on the links below to glimpse our president's goals for future technology:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/technology/
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65926.html?wlc=1234652099
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93194932
http://obama.3cdn.net/780e0e91ccb6cdbf6e_6udymvin7.pdf
Finally, CHANGE has come!
Monday, February 9, 2009
GIANT STEPS vs. baby steps
As technology becomes more integrated into education and student skills improve, the question arises whether it is better to introduce new technologies slowly and gradually or without regard for skills, anticipating the 'discovery' process that will occur. It becomes a question of how much is too much. Admittedly, overwhelming a student can become counterproductive. Ironically, I believe that underwhelming a student by 'spoon feeding' what can be easily consumed can impede progress as well. One problem with spoon feeding is that the learner may lose interest during the process and learning, in turn, may lose its inspirational and motivational ability. After all, it is what we don't know that usually pushes us into the new areas of our minds and into the learning mode.
Overwhelming students may actually have some positive outcomes if planned for and welcomed as part of the learning process. When an entire group is overwhelmed, human nature usually provides the opportunity for each person to have an opportunity to exercise leadership skills. ( Surely one person will see this as a challenge and will step up to the plate as a 'leader' in problem solving. This confidence is usually infectious and prompts others to do the same!). Also, there will be a chance to really explore the possibilities of collaborative and collective learning. There will, undoubtedly, be many 'OH, WOW!' moments that may actually electrify the learning environment. As knowledge and skills increase, there is a sense of victory over the unknown that will serve to develop personal confidence as well group confidence. Furthermore, communication skills can be enhanced as students share new knowledge. (An adept teacher will know how to capture the knowledge using web 2.0 tools!).
Lastly, the slow, plodding process of task analysis and practice toward skill mastery can be unnecessarily time-consuming when the skills can be learned as an inherent and purposeful part of a bigger picture. As long as personal safety is not at risk, what is the harm in presenting a technological challenge to students that is waiting to be used as a vehicle for collaborative learning and victory? One may be surprised at the outcome of taking GIANT STEPS into technology! ( After all, baby steps are for babies!!!)
Overwhelming students may actually have some positive outcomes if planned for and welcomed as part of the learning process. When an entire group is overwhelmed, human nature usually provides the opportunity for each person to have an opportunity to exercise leadership skills. ( Surely one person will see this as a challenge and will step up to the plate as a 'leader' in problem solving. This confidence is usually infectious and prompts others to do the same!). Also, there will be a chance to really explore the possibilities of collaborative and collective learning. There will, undoubtedly, be many 'OH, WOW!' moments that may actually electrify the learning environment. As knowledge and skills increase, there is a sense of victory over the unknown that will serve to develop personal confidence as well group confidence. Furthermore, communication skills can be enhanced as students share new knowledge. (An adept teacher will know how to capture the knowledge using web 2.0 tools!).
Lastly, the slow, plodding process of task analysis and practice toward skill mastery can be unnecessarily time-consuming when the skills can be learned as an inherent and purposeful part of a bigger picture. As long as personal safety is not at risk, what is the harm in presenting a technological challenge to students that is waiting to be used as a vehicle for collaborative learning and victory? One may be surprised at the outcome of taking GIANT STEPS into technology! ( After all, baby steps are for babies!!!)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Coordinating Technology
Technology requires skill, patience, and wisdom to coordinate into an existing system. As a result of technological challenges, I am convinced of the following:
1. Two heads are better than one.
2. Technology requires a backup plan.
3. Clear vision is a prerequisite for success.
4. Technology planninng is vital for successful implementation.
5. Never freak out; technology will only laugh at you.
Point One:
I have encountered so many new and unusual technological problems. Sometimes, I have been able to solve them but some problems were so perplexing that I needed to consult others. Thank God for the 'tech gurus' that I can ask. I am learning how much more I will need to learn to effectively coordinate technology systemically.
Point Two:
Technology is like an evil mistress who fails you at the most important times. Whether trying to get all computers online at once, give a presentation, or clear a paper jam from the printer, technology is bound to fail at the most undesirable time. A backup plan must always be available. Sometimes, we may need to revert to B.G.(Before Google) methods of problem solving.
Point Three:
A clear and realistic vision of the capabilities of technology must be assessd and evaluated. Important questions include: What am I trying to do? What purpose will technology serve? What will technology implementation look, feel, and sound like? Is everyone benefitting from technology? Is there a suggestion box available? What skills are needed to effectively use the technology? Is assistive technology needed? How will technology use be assessed? Where are the aspirin?
Point Four
Planning is essential for success. Failure to plan is planning to fail. Take the time to develop a plan to turn a vision into reality. Follow a template. Follow through. Realize that you are never finished making improvements.
Point Five
Above all, realize that the technology imps will decide to visit occassionally. A network will slow down and burp when needed for training. Software may seem to have its own mind and exercise its right to freeze at the most inappropriate time. Teaching others to use technology brings out the worst in technology. Laugh and remain calm through technology crises. He who laughs first...
1. Two heads are better than one.
2. Technology requires a backup plan.
3. Clear vision is a prerequisite for success.
4. Technology planninng is vital for successful implementation.
5. Never freak out; technology will only laugh at you.
Point One:
I have encountered so many new and unusual technological problems. Sometimes, I have been able to solve them but some problems were so perplexing that I needed to consult others. Thank God for the 'tech gurus' that I can ask. I am learning how much more I will need to learn to effectively coordinate technology systemically.
Point Two:
Technology is like an evil mistress who fails you at the most important times. Whether trying to get all computers online at once, give a presentation, or clear a paper jam from the printer, technology is bound to fail at the most undesirable time. A backup plan must always be available. Sometimes, we may need to revert to B.G.(Before Google) methods of problem solving.
Point Three:
A clear and realistic vision of the capabilities of technology must be assessd and evaluated. Important questions include: What am I trying to do? What purpose will technology serve? What will technology implementation look, feel, and sound like? Is everyone benefitting from technology? Is there a suggestion box available? What skills are needed to effectively use the technology? Is assistive technology needed? How will technology use be assessed? Where are the aspirin?
Point Four
Planning is essential for success. Failure to plan is planning to fail. Take the time to develop a plan to turn a vision into reality. Follow a template. Follow through. Realize that you are never finished making improvements.
Point Five
Above all, realize that the technology imps will decide to visit occassionally. A network will slow down and burp when needed for training. Software may seem to have its own mind and exercise its right to freeze at the most inappropriate time. Teaching others to use technology brings out the worst in technology. Laugh and remain calm through technology crises. He who laughs first...
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Value of Vision- Near and Far
Vision is a necessary part of any journey. Close your eyes and walk to the door of the room that you are in without stumbling over or walking into anything. Now, keep your eyes locked on an object that is right in front of you. Without taking your eyes off of the object, ball up a piece of paper and try to throw it in the garbage. Next, stare out of a window and name everything that is in the room. How did you do?
The exercise above is an example of how important vision is in everyday life. When planning for technology, vision is critical for success. Near-sighted vision prevents large outcomes from occurring by placing too much emphasis on small accomplishments in growth. Far-sighted vision negates the importance of having important elements in place that ensure success.
Vision, expectation, and planning must co-exist for technology integration to be successful in education. 'Techno-mania'(rushing into technology) is tempting but also part of the recipe for failure. A new computer, device, gadget, or peripheral may be exciting to watch or use but effective integration requires more than just placing technology into the hands of unskilled users who have not yet analyzed the anticipated result they hope to achieve.
Technology is a tool, not a toy...
The exercise above is an example of how important vision is in everyday life. When planning for technology, vision is critical for success. Near-sighted vision prevents large outcomes from occurring by placing too much emphasis on small accomplishments in growth. Far-sighted vision negates the importance of having important elements in place that ensure success.
Vision, expectation, and planning must co-exist for technology integration to be successful in education. 'Techno-mania'(rushing into technology) is tempting but also part of the recipe for failure. A new computer, device, gadget, or peripheral may be exciting to watch or use but effective integration requires more than just placing technology into the hands of unskilled users who have not yet analyzed the anticipated result they hope to achieve.
Technology is a tool, not a toy...
Time 2 Blog!
It is not that I have had nothing to blog about during my hiatus but more that I have not TAKEN the time to blog. After relocating to Chicago at the end of August, my life has been spinning faster than I can run! A new position as Technology Coordinator has been wrought with challenges and successes that are too numerable to list. I believe that the next blog entries that I make will be a glimpse of the struggles and triumphs of this era of my life. My new motto: Time 2 Blog!
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