Week 2

Defining the Field:

I think it appropriate, for me at least, that our first assignment for this class is to define the field; this happens to be very similar to the assignment I have been given by my campus principal. At our elementary school, where I happen to be librarian, we are working to decide exactly what role technology should play in instruction, and how best to facilitate learning through technology.

Our text for this class defines the concept of educational technology (p. 6) in the following manner:

"Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources."

I like this definition; it seems to sum up the field nicely, however, I am learning, through my classes and practical experience, that the role technology plays in learning is defined by many variables. Budget, time constraints, teacher knowledge, teacher motivation, among other things, seem to be the factors that most determine how instructional technology shapes learning, if at all.

It will be interesting to see if this class helps me formulate a plan for how best to facilitate learning through technology on our campus.

Instructional Design:

The Dick, Carey, and Carey model of instructional design leads us through these steps:

• Needs assessment to identify goals
• Conduct instructional analysis and analyze learners
• Write performance objectives
• Develop assessment instruments
• Develop instructional strategy
• Develop and select instructional materials
• Develop and conduct formative evaluation of instruction, followed by summative evaluation
• (Revising as needed)

I believe this model addresses all of the six characteristics of instructional design. It is learner centered. It sets goals or objectives very early in the process, and it evaluates outcomes in a reliable and measurable way. Further, it allows for revision at any stage along the process. Although this model could be followed by an individual, I believe it would be much more effective, and definitely more practical, if it were a team effort among educators.

This model is very close to what we are actually doing on our campus right now. I would say we are currently in step three now, writing performance objectives.

Technology in Education:

Although we have numerous technology tools to aid in teaching, I believe that instructional technology can only be as strong as the educators themselves. I know there is an infinite number of ways to use technology in learning, but until we have teachers that are up to speed on how, and when, and for what purpose, to use these tools, students will not benefit from it.

That is not to say that those teachers who are not utilizing technology are bad teachers; I think most of them simply haven't been shown how to use technology with their students. Many of the teachers in classrooms today have been teaching for many years, while much of the instructional technology available today has been developed only in the last few years. I believe it is up to individual school districts to make sure that teachers are up to speed in this area.

Week 8, Reflective Blog

I have enjoyed Etec 524, but my most important discovery is that I am not a "digital native." While I have been able to complete all assignment relatively easily, I have discovered that I have a certain underlying anxiety regarding technology. The journal article presentations have been a piece of cake for me. The blog has been easy enough...for that matter, all the assignments have been relatively simple for me, but as the semester has gone on I have discovered that I tend to put the technology project off as long as possible. Not because it's difficult, or unclear how to complete, or time-consuming, but simply because I don't feel as comfortable in this area.

I think if nothing else, this class has forced me to take the plunge; to go where I've never gone before, so to speak. I have been required to learn new skills, complete new projects, and it has been good for me.

The thought of a podcast struck fear in my heart the first time I realized I would have to make one, but now I can see myself completing one for school. That's HUGE for me! So if for nothing else, I say "Thanks, Dr. W. for making me push myself a little!"

Week 7, Reflective Blog

Because I am an elementary librarian, everything we've done this semester has lead me to think how I can use that particular technology in the library. For my technology project this week, I developed a podcast demonstrating to students how to use wordle.net to create a novel project illustrating their understanding of a particular novel. I created this project because it is actually something that I would like to do with my students. At the present time, we are very limited on what type of online activities our technology department will allow us to access, but with the support of my principal, I plan to discuss these types of activities with them in the very near future.

I don't think I view technology any differently now than I did at the beginning of this class, but I definitely feel more confident and encouraged to utilize them with my students. Whenever I think about technology, I remember the term "Digital Natives" from the journal article we read a few weeks ago, and it reminds me that as the campus librarian I can be a powerful advocate for providing access to educational technology for my students.

Week 6, Reflective Blog

In my case, I think of a learning community as those students and teachers on my elementary campus. I see podcasts as a great way to make presentations to our students. Book reviews would be a great way to utilize podcasts. However, in order to get to the students, I have to get through the teachers. Many times the teachers have no interest at all in utilizing technology in their classrooms.

As I mentioned last week, our campus is preparing for "Read Across America Week." I have prepared a short announcement for each day this week discussing Dr. Seuss' life and highlights of his literary career. I have already had a couple of teachers comment that I should keep it short, as we already have enough announcements in the morning.

Next year, I would like to make or locate podcasts that teachers could show to their students when it is convenient for them to do so. Podcasts would certainly be more engaging for the students than just listening to an announcement over the intercom system, and more convenient for teachers because they could fit it into their schedule when it is most convenient for them.

Week 5, Reflective Blog

I must admit that I wasn't that enthused about Wikis when I began this week's assignment, but after going through this weeks activities, I can certainly see their value.

I set up a Wiki for my campus. We are currently working on Read Across America activities for the week of March 1-5, and this will make an excellent way to coordinate all our activities. After having spent the last week on the phone, and firing emails back and forth concerning our planned activities, I think a Wiki will be a very effective way to organize our materials, gather information and sources, and even delegate responsibilities.

I see great advantages to using Wikis; information is in one central place where all involved parties can utilize and manage it. However, I must admit the thought of certain teachers accidentally deleting all our information has crossed my mind. In the beginning, at least, I will probably only invite certain teachers to contribute.

I also enjoyed the eLearning Tools Wiki. I really think the animation would be something that I could use. I have also created a couple of projects using Animoto, and I REALLY enjoyed that.

Week 4, Reflective Blog

This week's technology project, setting up an electronic portfolio, has been a challenge for me. Usually, I go through things like that pretty quickly, but for some reason, this assignment proved to be a challenge for me. I did finally get it set up, and managed to attach my blog address, but it certainly doesn't look like I would like it to. Fortunately, it's not due for a while, so I'll have some time to get it whipped into shape. I do think it is an excellent way to collect/demonstrate my skills and projects that I have mastered.

As for the ten principles of Assessment for Learning, I chose to focus on the sixth one, "AFL should take account of the importance of (and foster) learner motivation. I found an excellent article titled, "All Work and No Play Reconsidered: The Use of Games to Promote Motivation and Engagement in Instruction." The author, Stephen Gareau, made a great argument that while some educators see educational technology as merely "toys," the fact is that educational technology addresses many more learner intelligences than traditional instruction.

Tying these two topics togeher, electronic portfolios and learner motivation, has certainly taken place this week. I find myself already thinking of things that I could do to make my portfolio look, and work, better...partially because I am competitive and want my portfolio to look good, but also because it's fun!

Week 3, Reflective Blog

I must admit that I am a creature of habit; whenever I'm searching for information, I go to the first few results that pop up. They're quick, they're easy, and they are the first ones, so they must be right, right? However, after completing this week's MAPping activity, I will look closer at the sites that I am getting information from. I have also already shown my two oldest daughters this activity as well. It seems they are constantly having to look up information on the internet; maybe this will help them find the most reliable information available.

As for my Delicious account, I have had that for almost a year now, and I find it very helpful. With five of us using our home computer, it is a nice place to bookmark sites, articles, etc., that is A PLACE OF MY OWN. I don't have to scan through the NUMEROUS sites we have in "My Favorites" on our computer; I just go there and look at my personal stuff. And somehow, it gives me peace of mind knowing that no one else is going to touch it. Except now, I have networked with Dr. W....hmmm, sort of shoots a hole in the "PLACE OF MY OWN" theory, but it is nice to network. In fact, I've already picked up a tidbit on adding video/music to my blogs. Maybe I'll use that in the near future...who knows?