ITEC 8500 had a significant impact on my self-conception as a technology coach in several ways. First, my passion for technology use in the classroom was heightened. Before this class I thought I was tech savvy using innovative ways to integrate technology in the classroom. I knew bringing technology into the classroom increased engagement but through this class I learned the different levels of engagement. This has forced me to analyze my use of technology and integrate a variety of Level of Teaching Innovation (LoTi) level activities to enhance my coaching practices.
The second impact was working on my capstone project. I chose to do a school wide initiative using technology to improve our math scores in first through fifth grade. Being the administrator for the program has given me the opportunity to promote the program, work with teachers on how to use the program and use the program to engage students in the classroom. Through my capstone project I learned to tailor my coaching to meet the needs of individual teachers and create trainings that are valuable to learners with different technology knowledge and skills.
Lastly, ITEC 8500 has reshaped my attitude towards social media. Before this class I was not a fan of social media, I felt it was a platform for entertainment purposes. My eyes have been opened to the value of social media in education. Following Instructional Technology professionals and organizations on Twitter and Feedly allows me to stay current with uses of technology in the classroom. These platforms also allow me to participate in chats, collaborate with other professionals and help me evolve understanding emerging media.
Issues, Trends and Research in Technology has helped me with my program goals of learning current technology practices in the classroom, how to become an effective technology coach, and understanding research in technology. I think the most mind blowing realization I learned was the positive impact social media has on instructional technology in education. I can use social media platforms to stay current, learn new ideas, share ideas, collaborate and communicate with my professional community. Working on the capstone project has increased my understanding of research in technology and the ability to impact my school through my research.
The second impact was working on my capstone project. I chose to do a school wide initiative using technology to improve our math scores in first through fifth grade. Being the administrator for the program has given me the opportunity to promote the program, work with teachers on how to use the program and use the program to engage students in the classroom. Through my capstone project I learned to tailor my coaching to meet the needs of individual teachers and create trainings that are valuable to learners with different technology knowledge and skills.
Lastly, ITEC 8500 has reshaped my attitude towards social media. Before this class I was not a fan of social media, I felt it was a platform for entertainment purposes. My eyes have been opened to the value of social media in education. Following Instructional Technology professionals and organizations on Twitter and Feedly allows me to stay current with uses of technology in the classroom. These platforms also allow me to participate in chats, collaborate with other professionals and help me evolve understanding emerging media.
Issues, Trends and Research in Technology has helped me with my program goals of learning current technology practices in the classroom, how to become an effective technology coach, and understanding research in technology. I think the most mind blowing realization I learned was the positive impact social media has on instructional technology in education. I can use social media platforms to stay current, learn new ideas, share ideas, collaborate and communicate with my professional community. Working on the capstone project has increased my understanding of research in technology and the ability to impact my school through my research.