This document discusses the learning and insights gained by the author from taking an online course on technology integration. The author realized they knew less about technology than they previously thought, such as not knowing how to create blogs or use podcasts. They struggled with assignments but learned from persevering. The course opened the author's eyes to the digital age and taught them about blogs, copyright laws, and moving a school into the 21st century. The author now sees the educational benefits of blogs for communication and expanding learning beyond the classroom.

1. When I was looking at the course title I had envisioned a completely different course. I
was assuming that the course was going to entail material that included conflict management,
looking at various curriculum models and even how to take on the various leadership roles.
After I opened up the Pre-Course Self Evaluation I was a little baffled. Reading words like
Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology and STaR chart I knew that I was completely off target.
My evaluation gave me an overall score of 30. I knew that there was much to learn. I had heard
of the STaR chart and never knew what was its’ purpose. I quickly realized that this course
would incorporate technology skills. In the area of technology I considered myself
knowledgeable and very comfortable with technology. After reviewing the first week’s
assignment I realized that I didn’t know half as much as I had thought. My first outcome
included gaining a better understanding how technology can easily be included within
instruction.
The outcomes that came from this class are very relevant. The knowledge and
understanding gained has made me a better teacher which in turn will help me become a better
instructional leader. I now have more than enough knowledge and understanding of the Texas
STaR chart, Technology TEKS and a 21st Century classroom. The internal understanding of
technology integration into instruction is so great. I will never think as I had before. This
knowledge can be integrated into my classroom now as well as shared and taught to fellow
teachers. Currently in the classroom I have changed my view. Previously I thought that
integrating technology would be difficult. As a future facilitator or principal I have a foundation
that I can base a campuses technology needs on. The need for understanding the importance is
the key to help all stakeholders use technology wisely and correctly. The relevance of this
course and the outcomes will be demonstrated with current and future students to come as a
teacher and as an administrator.
I feel that this course only scratched the surface for me. I had little understanding of
blogs and had never heard of podcasts. There is still so much more to learn. After my previous
notion of myself as more than a novice I was deeply mistaken after realizing that I had no idea
on how to create my own blog and insert power point presentations. Furthermore interacting in
webcasts was new to me. I had no idea what equipment would be needed to interact within this
web cast. This uncertainty kept me from exploring interactive webcasts. I have viewed and
downloaded webcasts for trainings and information but never a live webcast. There is still so
much that is new to me and just taking the time to explore and set foot in the technology world is
the only things that holds me back. The apprehension of not knowing how to do things is what
holds so many of us back. I still believe that creating an atmosphere that welcomes new learners
is the key. Creating that comfort level will help me and others join and create the 21st century
learning environment.
The first and second course assignment was very overwhelming for me. This assignment
I had to take step by step. I found myself relying on other students and my academic coach for
guidance. As previously mentioned I was pretty clueless when it came to really understanding
what a blog was. The step by step directions provided really helped and they were very user
friendly. I did experience difficulties and frustrations when trying to import my power point
presentation into my blog site. The first web-based service didn’t work as quickly or as easily as
I liked. Trying the second web-based service was more successful. I still don’t understand why
my animations did not carry over to the power point presentation on my blog address. When I
view the power point presentation as it is saved everything performs correctly but the same
effects are not presented on my blog site. Discovering the unknown can be frightening; you

2. don’t understand or know what you’re doing wrong. Too often we choose to give up because we
don’t get the results we are expecting. This class has shown me that persistence and
determination is needed in the 21st century classroom.
The door to the world of technology was opened for me. This course gave me a peek
inside the digital age of today. I learned how to create my own blog site as well as how podcasts
can be used in the classrooms. Various copyright laws were introduced to me as well as detailed
understanding of the STaR chart and how valuable the information is. It is important to take
proactive measure by educating students in the matters of cyber bullying and creating an action
plan that will move the campus into the 21st century. This course also taught me lessons that
were not related to course work. As a leader it is important to understand that our students are an
asset to the learning environment. Many times it is important to understand that we need to
utilize their knowledge as a teaching tool whether it is with students, teachers or administrators.
We learned the educational value of blogs within the 21st century. The various blog sites that I
visited and commented on showed me many ranges of ideas and viewpoints. As a leader this
asset will help me communicate with numerous educational leaders all over the country that are
encountering similar situations as me. Understanding how web blogs can affect campus learners
and learning will ensure that as an administrator web blogs will be integrated in the classroom.
The numerous articles read on blogging helped me understand how useful this tool is. Will
Richardson has written numerous articles where he describes the endless possibilities with web
blogs. Richardson stated in his article Blog Revolution, Expanding classroom horizons with Web
logs,”students create meaningful content for audiences wider than just a teacher and a small
group of peers.” Students will be able to explore, investigate and share their creative view
points, writings and information with unlimited people. Learning can be expanded beyond the
walls of classroom and taken throughout the world.
Blogs can be a wonderful asset in the educational world. The freedom that blogs offer
can create a wonderful learning experience for students if used properly. Web blogs can easily
be turned around violating cyber ethics. Cyber bullying can easily be done by using web blogs.
As an educator and an administrator it will be important to ensure that cyber ethics are taught to
all students. Lessons that demonstrate the effects of cyber bullying can help students understand
the seriousness of the issue. Incorporating web sites such as http://cyberbully.org,
www.cybersmart.org and www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.html will help teachers and
parents keep students knowledgeable and safe. Ensuring that web blogs are free of predators can
be a difficult task also. Educating students in technology safety measures is also a critical lesson
to teach early on. Web blogs can be an opportunity for negative criticisms and concerns to be
posted. The live time of the internet gives negative criticism or false information opportunities
to spread. Taking proactive measures is also another important lesson learned from this course.
The opportunity for teachers and schools to post blog sites in order to communicate with
parents, students and other staff members is valuable. When information is readily available this
will help all stakeholders. The lines of communication will be opened as well as access to
answer and pose questions. Teachers can post assignments, examples and information for
students and parents. Parents and students can check web blogs frequently and be up to date
with the latest information regarding their school or class. The line of communication will be a
two way or even a three way street. As an administrator I would ensure that all teachers were
trained in creating and using web blogs. This was a first time for me. Through this course I
learned how to create and use web blogs. I have seen firsthand how beneficial web blogs can be
as a teaching tool and what a wonderful form of communication it can be. As an administrator I

3. would lead by example and have my own web blog that would include the latest information,
upcoming events and announcements that needed to be shared with staff members, parents or
students.
My blog site is http://lydiatrevino.blogspot.com