Catherine Hernandez
Foundations in Ed. Tech.
May 5, 2002
hernandezREFL.rtf
Reflection Paper

Part I: Goals

This is the second online course that I have taken without yet being formally accepted into the Educational Technology program at MU.  My primary goal as I started this course was to decide whether I am on the “right track.”  I am passionate about education and fascinated by learning but have some trepidation about technology.  Frankly, although I work with technology in my job, I don’t really like “computers.”  As a result, since I found this program and began this course of study, I have had concerns about whether this is the right discipline for me.  My participation in this course has confirmed for me that this discipline does feel like “home.”  I have indeed made the right choice.

As I explored to discover whether Education Technology is the field where I belong, I also needed to have a clearer understanding of what Educational  Technology really is.  The initial assignments and readings for this course helped tremendously.  I am much better able to explain my discipline to others.  And while a complete and concise definition of “Educational Technology” remains hard to pin down at times, the problem now stems more from the fact that this field changes very rapidly, rather than my own lack of understanding. 

A third goal of mine as I began this course was to clarify my role in this field.  I am not a classroom teacher and have not had that set of experiences.  I must define my role so that I can effectively apply what my learning about educational technology to learning environments. This course has provided me many insights and perspectives as I try to find my niche. I see this as an ongoing evolution that will take time to mature and I have a good deal of work ahead of me. 

I was glad to see portfolio development included as a topic for this course.  I need to improve my diligence in collecting projects and artifacts for inclusion in my portfolio. I plan to do some “house cleaning” as this semester ends so that I can set up an organization for my artifacts and begin thinking about methods of presentation.

Part II: Growth and Improvement

I have learned a great deal from my cohorts about the classroom experience.  The contributions made to this course by classroom teachers provided me with valuable information about some of the realities that exist in the classroom and how difficult incorporating technology into the classroom can be as a result.  In my daily reality the process is very different. Since I am at the university and am only responsible for the technology of one school at the university, my target audience is specific and the funding and implementation paths all stem from faculty buy-in.  If the faculty think it is a good idea, then they assign a budget line to the project and support and promote the idea.  If they do not like the idea, it will not be funded and my job to “sell” the concept is much tougher. This is a very different reality from what the public school classroom teacher generally faces.  These insights have broadened my views regarding the role of technology and the creative techniques that are needed to see that plans are implemented.
 
In the same vein, I was benefited by the opportunities in this course to actually apply various technologies to teaching situations.  Thinking through the lesson plan was a valuable experience for me.  I was able to see the teaching side of the equation more clearly .

My communication skills are improving as a direct result of this course in large part because of the online format. There is not much “time” to ramble or meander when I am expressing myself and so I must be concise and clear in discussion so that I can make a point that will be interesting to my cohorts and expressive of my views.  I take these improved skills with me to work ever day and am having good results.  I would like to add that the Water Cooler discussion is an excellent idea.  I loved it!  It was great having a place to get to know people, and where we could follow some tangents that were not related strictly to the material.  I think the inclusion of the Water Cooler discussion went a long way to keeping our discussions on track.  I have sung it praises to several faculty who are teaching online at my university.

I found the content about learning theory very valuable.  The presentation of the information in the text was clear and helpful as they related the development of educational technology methods to the prevailing philosophy.  Seeing how the application of technology associated with the prevailing learning theory gave good insight in to the whys and wherefores of previous implementations.  I also see how an understanding the prevailing learning theory in an educational setting will drive the way technology should be implemented. 

I learned that “ed tech” need not be “high tech.”  Implementing educational technology can provide simple solutions to nagging troubles.  Educational technology can be a simple method that improves instruction, increases comprehension or offers breadth of scope.  I saw  that the application of technology to teaching is really a very flexible set of tools that can enrich, enhance and assist learners and educators.  

In order to be effective I need to use the flexibility of the tools to the best advantage.  I need to work on thinking more outside of the box, to seek out new ways to apply existing technology so that solutions are fresh, innovative and engaging without being complex or overwhelming for the educator or learner. 

Staying current with technology is a challenge, since it changes so fast.  I believe that by staying focused on the educational technology aspects of my daily work will help me to stay current and engaged.  I plan to continue reading trade journals and following applicable websites.  I also know that my listening closely to my students, who are Computer Science undergraduates can lead to a goldmine of information about what is “hot” and new and hip.  Then, the task is mine to find way to include those emerging technologies into teaching environments.

I also plan to evaluate various professional organizations to see which one or two will best fit my interests and goals.  Then I will join.  I expect this will lead to some interesting resources and contact with other professionals that will assist me to stay current with the technologies as well as the trends in education.

I am coming away from this course with a clear sense that this is the correct degree and field for me.  In order to continue my path, I will be taking summer off from class in order to complete the application process, which for me means, among other things, preparing for and passing the GRE.  My goal is to complete this challenge, then take a course in fall 2002, as I await acceptance.  I plan to be able to enroll in two courses next spring and move forward rapidly with this program.  This course has given me a fresh sense of self-discovery and I have found some clarity about my current role and future path.  It has been an excellent course.