Standard+VIII+Reflection

According to ISTE’s Standard VIII technology facilitators engage in supervised field-based experiences with accomplished technology facilitators and/or directors. I applied this standard by engaging in the field based experiences throughout the year. I gained a vast amount of knowledge while participating in my field based experiences.

To begin with, I learned in order for a school to be successful a vision should be created and implemented. According to Jones and Crochet (2007), “Developing a vision is a critical component of school improvement and school leadership; in addition, the development of a vision is an evolutionary process (p 1). A vision is a road map that provides an organization direction and also identifies and establishes the beliefs and goals of the organization. The components of a shared vision are described as a vision being feasible and attainable. A vision is pictures of the future and what a school can become. A vision can be implemented by translating it into actions and plans. Also if not communicated frequently a vision can die. When participating in my activities I followed our school vision. As the road map, the vision gave me direction. Not only did I refer to the school vision, but also my technology facilitator. Secondly t he continuous campus improvement cycle is the driving force for school improvement and academic achievement. The campus improvement plan has to be a constant and ongoing process. The outcome of the plan is essential to what steps you take next. The site based committee has to analyze data, see if what they are doing is working and look at the areas of improvement and start the process over by enlisting ideas of how to improve and integrate new goals. Technology has made this process a lot easier to execute. As a technology facilitator I have learned you have to continuously evaluate the applications that are implemented. Requesting feedback from teachers will help establish how well the applications are working. Communication is imperative between the staff and principal. A clear direction and a timeline to achieve the goals also need to be established. The action plan can go forward with a good leadership and allowing all the stakeholders a sense of ownership. To maintain the momentum you have to have continuous staff development, encouragement, and keeping two steps ahead and always looking for how to improve the plan. According to Reeves (2007) “Effective instructional leadership depends on recognizing and rewarding professional excellence and, when necessary eliminating ineffective, practice,” (p 87).

Furthermore, the field base experience has impacted me in a positive way. The experience allowed me to gain hands on knowledge. I was able to set goals, achieve the goals and develop a sense of responsibility. I also created a network of people to collaborate with as I continue to explore the field of technology. Throughout the year I documented my progress and continued to update my campus supervisor to get feedback. I found that support goes a long way. I would not have been able to accomplish my activities without the support from my Supervisor and the campus technology facilitator. By following the ISTE’s standards I was able to perform at a competent level and assist teachers in improving the performance of instructional technology. Williams and Redish (2007) states, “The standards can assist technologist in reflecting on what they do, forming a professional identity congruent to their work and explaining their roles to others,” (p 25).

Jones, L. & Crochet, F (2007). The importance of visions for school and school improvement. Connexions. Retrieved June 3, 2009, from http;//cnx.org/content/m15634/1..1/ Wiliams, J & Redish, T. (2007).Building technology facilitators and leaders: A standards-based approach, Leader and Leading with Technology, 35(1), 22-26. Reeves, D.B. (2007). How do you sustain excellence? Educational Leadership, 65(3), 86-87