5370+Reading+Reflection+Standard+VIII+Leadership+and+Vision

I think the sum total of my experience in this grad program culminates with what I’ve learned in this chapter. As I read, I became increasingly aware of how this program was engineered with each course building on a unified theme of the emerging technologist as leader. I understand that to what extent technology advances in a district or school is hinged on how well the facilitator or leader guides stakeholders to realize the urgency of technology use. This is done through a master plan. Reading about the components of a technology plan (Williamson & Relish, 2009) reminded me of McTighe and Thomas’(2003) backward design approach which requires you to think carefully about the desired results and then work backward to develop a strategic plan (McTighe & Thomas, 2003).  ** Self Assessment ** One of the courses that I stated impacted my learning most was EDLD 5333 Leadership for Accountability. Everything I read here supported knowledge gained in that course. Therefore, new knowledge was old knowledge because this course did a splendid job preparing me for the knowledge gained here. I performed this standard through joining our technology committee at the beginning of this school year which our way of implementing a professional learning community. One of our directives was to ensure that online learning was incorporated weekly into our lesson plans which so happens to be a “practical method for changing day-to-day classroom practice” (William, 2007/2008, p.39). As I led a teacher in service, I honed these skills. My knowledge was reinforced as I influenced others.  ** Learn as a Learner ** The strategies used to reinforce these skills came through mentoring and leading workshop presentations. I thrive on hands-on learning and that’s what I gained from my field based experiences. However, my experience was limited because of the infrastructure in place in our district. As for technology leadership other than the principal, we have a facilitator, a campus technology specialist, and two webmasters. That was a lot to get around. For what I could do, my performance was acceptable. ** Lifelong Learning Skills ** I learned the importance of being a confident leader who’s skilled in all phases of management from people to materials. I think that I need to increase my drive and influence in this area. I found myself stunted in this standard. My interactions with my colleagues didn’t hinder my progress. However, I must become more assertive in moving technology forward. “Without this leadership and vision for instructional change, technology may be used to reinforce traditional forms of instruction, but not to enable new ways of teaching and learning in classroom” (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p.179). I do not want this to be the reason for failed technology where I work. Therefore, a concern of mine is to improve my skills in this standard with more field based practice.  McTighe, J., & Thomas, R. S. (2003). // Backward design for forward action //. Educational Leadership, 60(5), 52-55.  William, D. (2007-2008). // Changing classroom practice //. Educational Leadership, 65(4), 36-41  Williamson, J, & Redish, T. (2009). // ISTE’s technology and leadership standards: what every K-12 technologist should know and be able to do. // Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
 * <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">4.6 Reading Reflection on Standard VIII Leadership and Vision **