TF-TL_Standard_08

Williamson and Redish (2009) says, “In the absence of a strong vision for effective use, technology will be underutilized” (p. 178). Through reading more in this chapter and experiencing the use of technology on my campus I see this to be true. After going through this leadership program and having a better understanding of Standard VIII, I feel it necessary to make sure the vision of our campus includes technology and ways to use technology effectively. I used the new information learned through this reading and this program and mixed it with what I already knew to help me show my colleagues the importance of technology and how to use it effectively in the classroom and on campus. When thinking and implementing the field-based activities I had to be aware of the campus vision on technology and expand on it to make the activities meaningful. I also made sure our leadership on campus bought into the activities, which helped other join in the process.
 * TF/TL Standard VIII: Leadership and Vision **

According to Villano (2008), “Using technology to keep parents abreast of what's happening at school is a departure from the way things used to be done” (p. 2). Parents will be able to see what is happening in the child’s classroom. As a learner I understand technology is something that will help expand communication not only with parents, but also with other educators. Standard VIII: Leadership and Vision fits in nicely here because as a leader it is important to use and teach about the technology. Also, important is making sure there is a vision of how to use the technology effectively. As a learner I think I used the field-based activities for this Standard effectively. I was able to communicate with my colleagues a vision of technology that would benefit all stakeholders involved. Being able to talk to and dialogue with other educators on this Standard helped me to fully understand the Standard, which allowed me to adjust my activities so they could be successful.

According to Richard (2007), “A standard Model Technology Classroom includes hardware, software, training and infrastructure – all critical in providing the opportunity for model technology teachers and students to become effective users of technology for teaching and learning” (para. 6). As a lifelong learner I have to be aware of this and make choices that will help my students grown as individuals. With the hardware, software, and infrastructure we could create games, however without proper training and leadership, these activities will not mean anything. As a leader, in the field of technology, I have to make the effort to understand the technology and train other teachers to be able to use these technologies in the classroom. In future classrooms, the students will be the ones creating these games based learning activities with the teachers guiding. This will get them more involved in the process of learning. Teachers will need to be able to collaborate with each other much the same way, as I was able to talk with teacher in getting my field-based activities ready and successful. Collaboration in the future is going to be even more important and I believe it will be included in the vision of campuses everywhere if it is not now. Issues that will need to answered from this Standard might be how will technology leadership be viewed on an administration level?, will the administration see it as something strongly needed?, will the vision be tied to technology, if so how? These are some issues that need to be answered to fully utilize this Standard.

** Reference ** Richard, V. (2007, April 1). The model of a modern technology classroom. //Tech and Learning.// Retrieved on May 5, 2011, from []

Villano, M. (2008, April 1). Meet the parents. //THE Journal.// Retrieved on May 5, 2011, from []

Williamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards: what every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, Or: International Society for Technology in Education.

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