As I reflect back on this past semester, I realize I have come a long way in my understanding of what it means to be a leader for instructional technology in schools. It is one thing to have lofty goals for funding the "boxes and wires" and fancy gadgets, but it is more important to know what to do with those devices and tools. A leader for instructional technology must have a strong vision for student-centered, constructivist technology use. Not only that, but leaders must also have a vision for how to accomplish these goals in their own room, their grade level, their school, their district, etc. It is possible to be a leader for instructional technology on a large and small scale. I believe I now have a better idea of how to be a technology leader both in my own classroom and within my school. This class has allowed me to initiate some very interesting and productive conversations with my principal that have started getting the ball rolling with a more student-centered technology vision for technology at our school.
Another aspect of being an effective leader for instructional technology is staying up-to-date with the latest trends and ideas in that area. One way to do this is to subscribe to RSS feeds having to do with instructional technology. By following my RSS feeds this semester I learned a lot of helpful technology tips and I was able to impart that new-found knowledge with many of my fellow teachers, both at school and with other Music teachers in the county. Another way to stay up-to-date is to communicate regularly with those in the field. Not only have I learned a tremendous amount this semester from my instructor, Dr. Fuller, but I have also learned so much from my classmates by reading their own visions, SWOT analyses, and action plans for their schools. Their points of view helped me create my own vision, SWOT analysis, and action plan for my own school. This was an invaluable activity for an aspiring technology leader such as myself.
Another aspect of being an effective leader for instructional technology is staying up-to-date with the latest trends and ideas in that area. One way to do this is to subscribe to RSS feeds having to do with instructional technology. By following my RSS feeds this semester I learned a lot of helpful technology tips and I was able to impart that new-found knowledge with many of my fellow teachers, both at school and with other Music teachers in the county. Another way to stay up-to-date is to communicate regularly with those in the field. Not only have I learned a tremendous amount this semester from my instructor, Dr. Fuller, but I have also learned so much from my classmates by reading their own visions, SWOT analyses, and action plans for their schools. Their points of view helped me create my own vision, SWOT analysis, and action plan for my own school. This was an invaluable activity for an aspiring technology leader such as myself.
RSS Feed