EDLD+5364+-+ET8001+Final+Assessment+-+Course+Reflections



**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 initially began this course, I was excited to have the opportunity to learn new ways to integrate technology into the curriculum. For the last ten years, my focus has been on integrating technology into core curriculum and so I was excited to learn some new tricks. In reading the materials, watching the videos, and, most importantly, working with my group, I have been able to come away with some new perspectives. The way in which this course implemented the lessons was fresh and creative and allowed me the opportunity to learn from fellow educators. In doing so, I was able to see similar lessons approached in a variety of ways that were intriguing to me. I enjoyed the exposure to the UDL and CAST sites as those were resources with which I was not familiar. The intent of these sites was directly aligned to quality integration of technology.

In achieving my desired outcomes, they directly correlate to the work I perform in my school district. As the Director of Instructional Technology, it is my responsibility to ensure that the district-level Instructional Technology Specialists and campus-level Technology Integration Specialists work together to support the integration of technology into all curriculum. Our district has a strong 21st century approach to its instruction and any new perspectives are always welcome. I look forward to the opportunity to share the UDL and CAST sites particularly with the team to allow them yet another avenue through which they may assist in the integration of technology into the curriculum. In particular I see the potential for the use of the bookbuilder at the elementary and intermediate levels. The beauty of this tool was that it could be as simple or as complicated as the users’ skill levels. As our district is facing hard economic times like most districts, it will be rewarding to offer additional tools at no cost.
 * 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?**

In completing this course, there were no outcomes that I did not feel I was able to achieve. As mentioned in one of my earlier responses, the creative approach used in the instruction of this course allowed me to fulfill my outcomes. Being able to work collaboratively toward the goals of the lessons using Google sites was another enjoyable outcome of this course. I had been told by fellow educators of their use of this tool, but had not made use of it myself. Working on the group site provided me the opportunity to do so, but in a much more fun, collaborative manner. I look forward to constructively “playing” around on a Google site of my own individual creation and trying some of the tools that are available through this use of this site. There are so many free tools out there for educators, it will be nice to have personal knowledge of using the Google site tool.
 * 3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?**

Yes, I was successful in completing all of my course assignments. Due to my involvement with a church retreat, it was reassuring to have the two-day grace period in which to complete one week’s assignments. I found the work to be challenging in a positive and constructive way. I also found support for completing my assignments through collaboration with my team members and through support from my academic coach. Any time that I had questions about a particular aspect of an assignment, I was able to find the answers through a team member or through Creighton Gann. I feel that the pacing of the coursework, readings, and videos allowed me to internalize and apply the information I learned in a timely fashion. I look forward to sharing some of my new knowledge with my colleagues. I feel that this course has been one of the most applicable courses toward the degree. As an Educational Technology Leader, we must have our minds open to new possibilities.
 * 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?**

Participating in this course pushed me to try new things and work in ways I had not previously. Sometimes it is easy to get into the trap of “I’ll just do it myself to make sure it gets done.” Working as a collaborative partner of a group forced me to share the responsibilities and not do all the work myself. I was able to learn that being part of a group, when it functions as it should, can be a very rewarding experience where everyone contributes using their personal strengths. In doing so, I was able to appreciate my team members’ talents and learn from them, as well. In leading the Instructional Technology team, I have tried to focus on allowing them the opportunity to personally grow by working together. I feel that in being so focused on their need for this growth that I have potentially overlooked my need for the same growth.
 * 5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?**