Reflection EDTC 6149

State the competency, or standard that is appropriate for your degree and licensure area. 

ISTE Standard C 1:  Visionary Leadership – Technology Coaches inspire and participate in the development and implementation of a shared vision for the comprehensive integration of technology to promote excellence and support transformational change throughout the instructional environment.

Describe the requirements for the artifact. 

EDTC 6149 Administration of School Technology Program was taught by Dr. Jesse Strycker during spring semester of 2014.  The textbooks used were Leading 21^st Century Schools:  Harnessing Technology for Engagement and Achievement by Lynne Schrum and Barbara B. Levin; and Security vs Access:  Balancing Safety and Productivity in the Digital School by LeAnne Robinson, Abbie Brown, and Timothy D. Green.  These books provided insight on the issues to be considered when developing policies and procedures regarding technology in schools.  The focus of this course was the development of a school system Technology Policies and Procedures Manual.  Following research evaluating and comparing policy manuals from multiple school districts around the country, I developed a vision, mission statement, policies, procedures, and forms that could be used by schools to manage student, staff, and visitor technology use. 

With this project, I learned the principles that must be considered when designing policy. As technology is becoming increasingly available for all students, schools are having to plan for and implement policies and procedures to manage its use.  School administrators are looking for technology integration and not just technology use.  To ensure student safety while maximizing productivity rules must be in place and followed.  Professional development must be planned for as research has found that effective professional development and support leads to increased implementation of technology (Schrum & Levin, 2009). Communication and collaboration must be constant among the administration, staff, students, and parents to ensure the diverse needs and interests of all stakeholders are met.

Explain how your artifact is a good example of the objective, competency, or standard. 

This Policy and Procedures Manual is a good example of the ISTE Standard C- 1 as it includes a shared vision and mission statement to include all stakeholders and provide a roadmap for reaching the shared goal of student success.  These policies and procedures are meant to support the implementation and evaluation of technology throughout the system while sustaining a rigorous curriculum for all students.  Technology should become part of the infrastructure as students and teachers use technology for communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and interaction (Cator, 2011).  The Media and Technology committee is responsible for devising an orderly and coordinated change in school procedures that will result in effective student-centered media and technology programs.  Policies are provided for software selection, flexible access, website development, copyright, and acceptable use by faculty, students, and visitors.  Forms are available for the above as necessary. 

Strategic leadership is necessary to support and enforce these policies and procedures.  An effective leader will allow for participation in the decision making process which becomes a major motivator for change and leads to greater participation in the process (Schrum & Levin, 2009).  All parties involved are responsible for responsible use of the technology and adherence to policy.  An open dialogue is necessary to address concerns for misuse, threats to security, and access limitations (Robinson, Brown & Green, 2010).  It is the responsibility of the school leaders (administration and teachers) to model, support, and lead their school into the technology age. 

Discuss how you might change the content, strategy, or design of the artifact. 

This artifact was a good exemplar for the competency/standard as it illustrated a shared vision and mission statement, and effective planning, development, and implementation of policies and procedures for a school or district.  It also provided for initiating and sustaining technology changes through an effective Media and Technology Committee. Leadership for managing change is addressed and a plan proposed to evaluate and implement effective change. 

Upon reflection and further research, I see where my artifact could be improved by addressing professional development for teachers and administration.  Theory, strategies, and equipment are important to implementation of technology but the most essential element is staff development.(Roblyer & Doering, 2013).

Discuss how the artifact is representative of future career goals and plans. 

It is my goal to become a Instructional Technology Facilitator in the future.  This artifact represents my ability to understand the importance of school and district policies and procedures for the use and integration of technology.  As a facilitator I could be responsible for writing school policy and I would definitely be responsible for modeling, implementing, and enforcing the school, district, and state policies and guidelines for technology use. 

References

Cator, K. (2011). Transforming education with technology. Educational Leadership, 68(5), 16-

21. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/feb11/vol68/num05/Transforming-Education-with-Technology.aspx

Robinson, L., Brown, A., & Green, T. (2010). Security vs access: balancing safety and

productivity in the digital school . (1 ed.). Arlington: International Society for Technology in Education.

Roblyer, M., & Doering, A. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (6th ed.).

 Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Schrum, L., & Levin, B. (2009). Leading 21st century schools: harnessing technology for

 engagement and achievement. Thousand Oaks: Corwin.