EDLD-5364+Final+Assessment+Reflection

** Course Reflection Prompts **

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? I had envisioned this course to be one that show multiple uses of technology integrated into the classroom setting regardless of the course. What I wanted to come away with in terms of knowledge is that I wanted an in-depth study of technology as a vehicle to facilitate information. The course outlines and outcomes were in line with what I thought they were going to be and the fact that I gained invaluable information with the use of the UDL BookBuilder and also the Virtual Astronaut web site I discovered while researching my Astronaut section of our group project. This course was set up with collaboration as a major component for the success of the entire five weeks. It really shows what strong interaction between group members and the great feeling of completing the project on time and with outstanding grade results.

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? The outcomes are very relevant to what I do in the classroom. I have several multimedia projects throughout the year and with what I learned the past five weeks will cause me to alter several assignments. For instance, the duties each member has and the sequencing that the project was given was very good. I will make adjustments to several of my assignments in my classroom to follow a similar plan. I will probably allow extra time for the maneuvering around the UDL BookBuilder. At first it was quite tedious. Once I determined what I was doing wrong it was relatively simple to use. I wish that our team could have had editing rights for the book. Our group leader, Andrea had to give her username and password in order for us to edit our page. This course has offered many other opportunities for me to expand on my curriculum that will enhance and I believe will increase interest among the students.

3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? I would have liked to have touched on the use of web-conferencing as a technology tool to enhance learning and collaboration among students and teachers alike. I would have liked to have had the data relating to possible learning outcomes and examples of lessons and activities born from this vehicle of information. Another technology that intrigues me from our last course of study is the virtual learning component. Second Life was an unbelievable technological tool with many outstanding benefits. I think the reason why teachers do not achieve the learning outcomes that they want is either the lack of equipment or the lack of want to and or knowledge to change. This could be related to poor teacher in-service and the teacher is not familiar with the technology and does not feel comfortable with trying something that may or may not work for them during a class. Another reason for not achieving or trying something different is time.

4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? I completed all assignments specified by the course outline. One of the reasons I was able to do this is because our group was very efficient in the management of the project. We had a strong leader and the individual members knew their role for the project. We were able to collaborate on a weekly basis to finalize our plans for the project. My only complaint would be the last week we had to cram our final thoughts and complete project with four fewer days than normal because of Christmas break. Deadlines and sudden changes in plans is common place in education and in corporate America today. Our team rallied around each other to complete all assignments with time to spare. Again, the only negative point I have is the UDL BookBuilder is not configured to be edited by any other person other than the originator. One other change that BookBuilder can make is the ability to add video to the pages. This would make a tremendous addition to a great concept.

5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes? I learned that I can and always make the deadline. No matter how challenging and daunting the work-load is, I can always make it work. I am so glad that I chose this degree plan over the administrative plan. I just could not see myself dealing with negative parents, teachers, students, staff all day long. I really like what I do now. I am around kids and around technology and that is what I am comfortable with. I like to take the pressure off of people by making a joke here or there. I can figure out just about anything dealing with a piece of equipment and for the most part, software too. It might take me awhile and I may become frustrated at times, but I will stay with it until I figure it out. I have a unique ability to lead, motivate and make people feel at ease while getting a maximum amount of effort and ability from them as well.