Knowledge and Skills Gained
The course Instructional Leadership: Technology Component offered a wealth of information, not only through the courseware, but through hands-on experiences and group collaboration. In the course, I learned that collaboration is people working together to reach a common goal by making valuable contributions to their team members through various methods and that these methods may include the use of virtual tools, Web 2.0 tools, discussions, activities, and reflections. Also, throughout collaborative efforts each member contributes by providing varying perspectives, sharing their unique talents and skills, providing leadership traits, and actively participating with the team.
Through the duration of my leadership journey, I have been exposed to a wealth of collaborative tools including: discussion boards, blogs, Web 2.0 tools, etc. These tools are valuable in that they provide real time support and true collaborative efforts. Members of various leadership communities are able to refine their knowledge and skills through the use of such tools. In addition, I’ve learned of a new resource called Live Binders http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/365641. These Livebinders are designed for users to view, share, and create. They are a true compellation of online binders which include various tools and topics for educators or any other professional wanting to refine their talents and skills. Listed in each binder are: assignments, activities, ideas, web pages and links, resources, and blogs. I have also learned that a curator is a person who “locates valuable information, groups it in a practical manner, organizes it in a resourceful way, and finally shares the binder in the most relevant or practical manner by linking the content online.” Through my own exploration of the Livebinder link provided in our activity, I found numerous collaborative tools. A few tools that stood out for me wereEdmodo (an educational social networking site), Sliderockethttp://www.livebinders.com/play/play/365641 (allows you to collaborate with your co-workers by creating and sharing presentations, slides and assets across organizations), and Museumbox http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/365641 (a unique way of collecting, creating, and presenting a new concept, theme, or objective.) Because these binders are created in order to provide valuable resources in an organized manner, I would like to utilize Livebinders to better organize my collaborative tools and resources, so that they will be easy to collect, find, and share amongst my peers.
In addition, I learned about Project Based Learning or PBL.
Project Based Learning is an instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that engage student interest and motivation. These activities are designed to answer a question or solve a problem and generally reflect the types of learning and work people do in the everyday world outside the classroom (Reeves, T. C., Herrington, J., & Oliver, R., 2002).
I personally like to think of PBL as a way for students to express themselves through the creation of products and presentation while gaining a clear understanding of real world concepts through personal exploration, hands-on activities, and research. Although there must be structure throughout the madness (rubrics); to some extent, students are able to be in the “driver’s seat” in regard to their learning and performance outcomes. It is also most likely that they will reach personal mastery, as well as autonomy as their interests and motivation will be at the forefront of their learning. Students like to know what the outcome should look like, but they also like to be given the freedom to add their personal touch to their products as well. This is why PBL is such an exciting way for teaching and learning to take place especially during this 21st Century where technology is so essential. Students are very eager to use the newest and latest technology, tools, and resources, so why not allow them to utilize those tools for projects, presentations, and learning? In closing, during many of our web conferences, we are able to gain clarity on the upcoming week's assignments, as well as guidance and direction in the areas of program requirements, course completion, ILD, LCE, and TExES certification, and graduation procedures. The web conferences also provide an avenue for course interaction and team building. It has been through the web conferences that I was able to clarify many of my lingering questions. I thoroughly enjoyed this 11th course and look forward the final course, as well as May graduation! As a future administrator, it is my hope to utilize the knowledge gained throughout the Lamar Educational Leadership Program, as well as unlimited resources such as PBL and Web 2.0 tools not only with G/T or high-achieving students, but for all students! With the help of Dr. Abernathy and my "Fantastic Five" leadership team, this course EDLD 5352 Ed. Leadership: Technology Component has proven to be a tremendous hands-on experience. Our course activities, group discussions, and web conferences have been very insightful and I have gained valuable knowledge and skills in the areas of leadership, collaboration, consensus building, and Web 2.0 tools.
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