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ITEC 8500 Refletion
6/12/2016
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To be an instructional technology leader is to learn from others. During Issues & Trends in
Technology I learned that this could be done in the form of social media. Before this class
I did not have a professional Twitter or Feedly account, but learned that both can be used
as professional learning communities outside of the district/school where I teach. My plan
is to continue using both Feedly and Twitter to communicate with other professionals,
especially in mathematics instruction using technology, and to share this information with
my colleagues.
Another key concept I learned is how problem-based learning is trending with technology
innovation because technology allows for hands-on experiences that increase
engagement. The mathematics content is already currently taught using problem-based
learning, but sometimes still lacks student engagement. This means that in my classroom
I need to look beyond using a tool just for productivity and develop a learning experience
using technology to make up for that.

Internet Tools Reflection

5/4/2016
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This semester I learned a great deal about different digital tools to use in the classroom. In the past
when exposed to different tools they were presented while using contents such as science or social
studies, and for that reason I had some difficulty with transferring the use to mathematics. I was very
pleased to have a textbook with a long list of tools and how they are used. However, I was also
pleased to have the time to explore the use of the tools myself, and investigate how they could be
used in a math class or other topics. I have already been sharing some of the tools with my peers,
and look forward to investigation and sharing with more details.

I also enjoyed the exposure to blogging this semester. It was definitely a challenge, but something
that I had not considered before. There are blogs everywhere but it is important for teachers to have
professional learning communities through blogging for quick ways to stay connected with new digital
tools or strategies. It is especially helpful when the tools are linked and the blog includes screenshots
or how-to videos. I also think blogging is a powerful strategy to use in the classroom with students,
especially to keep them engaged in writing and expressing their thoughts using words and pictures.

PL & Tech Innovation Reflection

5/6/2016
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This semester I learned a lot about professional learning. The most eye-opening exercise was the
coaching simulation we completed. I actually had fewer adopters the second time I completed the
simulation (7 and then 5). One of the main points the made was the importance of building rapport
with teachers and the importance of patiently working with them. It is also more helpful to
communicate with teachers about what they need for their students. Obviously it difficult for a coach
to meet every teacher's individual needs. However, a lack of communication does not contribute
positively to the overall goal, which is increasing student achievement. Using an open
communication coaching cycle, along with continuous support could more effectively assist teachers
with any initiative.

I also learned a lot from the workshop development and implementation. I took a different route than
most of my other peers by speaking with specific teachers who I thought would benefit from the
training I provided. Then the workshop I created was very hands-on with materials that were
originally created (except the YouTube videos). I enjoyed that learning experiences and look forward
to follow-up workshops.

ITEC 7410 Reflection

7/16/2015
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As a teacher, when my school first started technology integration I thought it was about having hardware and software
tools available for use. For me most of the time the tools were used for productivity such as lesson planning, lesson
presentations, data collection, and data storing. For the students online gaming or practice links were used the majority
of the time. In ITEC 7410 I learned that technology integration must be more advanced than simple skill drill for

students, and that the idea of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a great model for higher-order thinking and authenticity
of lessons. It is important for students to develop the NETS-S standards, and to use those skills for application of core
content knowledge through technology.

As a leader, I learned the necessary process of developing a technology plan from a shared vision with a main goal of
contributing to student achievement targets laced out in the school improvement plan. I have experienced the impact of
an unclear vision that comes from starting the integration before developing a plan. That includes confusion in exactly
how technology should be integrated, the assessment of its effectiveness, and how teachers are evaluated on
integration. So not only is it imperative to develop a technology plan, but it is beneficial to have a common idea
amongst all stakeholders. What I am taking back to my school is that a plan should be developed collaboratively right
away, and that the phrase personalized digital environment in the SIP should be specified to truly determine if the
strategies to achieve the learning goals are being met.

As a professional in general it is important to be aware of current trends, issues, and research based strategies shared
by peers. Before taking this class I had not previously used an RSS Feeder. Using Feedly mirrors using an educational
search engine. I was easily able to find articles and information about integrating technology, problem-based learning,
and mathematics education. It is important for teachers to facilitate their own learning experiences outside of
professional development, for personal growth and reflection.

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ITEC 7400 Reflection

4/29/2015
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In the 21st Century Teaching & Learning class I have acquired an abundance of information regarding the
importance of technology knowledge along with instructional pedagogy and content knowledge. From a
teacher's perspective these three components would only enhance my instruction as a mathematics teacher.
I also learned of more effective ways to incorporate technology into the curriculum by considering what would
constitute a high level of engagement and a high level of technology integration. This technology integration
is done in a strategic manner that ensures meaningfulness and longevity in student learning.

In regards to becoming a technology coach it was powerful to learn of the technology standards that exist for
teachers, and students. In my personal teaching experiences the focus has been on professional
development for teachers in the use of technology to enhance instruction, but there has not been as much
emphasis on student development in using technology to enhance learning. Our students need to know how
to find/use resources, and organize information, collaborate, and communicate digitally (NETS-S 2, 3 & 6)
and professionally so they can also contribute to positively to their learning experiences. Furthermore I
would want for the students to learn skills that they could develop and benefit from.

ITEC 7445 Video Reflection

https://youtu.be/qnfUMOMF6I4

This reflection was done in a video where we were able to choose our topic. I chose to show my children in
the video and I appear at the very end.