Reflections+on+Standard+V


 * Reflection on Standard V: Productivity and Professional Development **

 Technology Facilitator Standard V relates to improving personal productivity and professional development through technology. I personally feel I am skilled in the use of productivity tools, I have used Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for several years prior to teaching and I have continued to use these tools in the classroom. Throughout the courses, I practiced TF Standard V.C., “Apply Technology to increase productivity.” I have learned to use Desktop Publishing, Photo Story, Movie Maker, and many other tools. I have also learned and applied many telecommunication tools, including Wikis, blogs, podcasting, video conferencing, and many others. I feel that throughout the masters program I have learned and mastered many technology tools that I was not familiar with prior to starting in my master’s program. I have also practiced TF Standard V.A. and B., “Use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.” and “Continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning.” This experience has taught me that I am a life long learner and in the field of educational technology, one must be in order to keep up with the latest trends in technology. Throughout the courses, I have expanded my knowledge of technology and added many different skills such as using Web 2.0 tools as collaborative tools for sharing projects and communicating with peers. The knowledge I gained has helped me as a teacher and as a colleague, I enjoy helping teachers with technical problems and setting up technology equipment if necessary. I am confident when teachers come to me for advice or need assistance because of the knowledge I have learned throughout the distant learning program.

In my opinion, teachers need more training in technology, we must address the needs of our students and find means through technology to engage and motivate students into learning. This in turn will prepare them to be productive citizens beyond high school. It upsets me when teachers are not willing to learn new technology that will eventually facilitate their job and help motivate students. As a technology facilitator, I hope to be part of the solution and help teachers learn how to use technology as a management tools and as an integration tool for their curriculum. Another concern is that I do not feel completely confident to prepare an in-service or training session for our teachers. I have had some experience in training teachers but I feel it is minimal and I could learn much more. I know that with practice and determination I will feel confident at performing these tasks. Questions I have are; How can we provide technology to low income families to ensure parents have a means of communication through email or website? How can the state or federal government ensure that campuses and districts are providing the professional development teachers need to learn how to integrate technology into the classroom? Why has education not been more proactive in the use of technology to teach the students? I am sure I can easily ramble on several more questions concerning the use of technology for teacher and students. I personally feel that these questions and issues concerns me and I find it puzzling that many of us as teachers choose not to embrace the use of technology as a means to ensure we are preparing our student to succeed in this rapidly changing and technology rich environment. As a technology facilitator, I will take great pride in helping teacher learn how to integrate technology into the curriculum and hope to change a few mindsets along the way.       Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s 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, pp. 77-99.   
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