Reflections+on+Technology+Facilitator+Standard+I

**__Self –Assessment __**
· The knowledge I have gained from the reading of Williamson and Redish's text about Standard I is that everyone starts off on a different playing field when basic computer operations is concerned. We must be able to identify hardware devices and softwares, understand features of internet tools and basic networking concepts, troubleshoot minor problems with hardware and software, and practice using proper care and organization of operating systems (2009, p.18). · When I started this program, I was aware through personal experience with teachers that there is an enormous amount of people that are not competent with the use of technological tools, especially in education. But in reading, I found that data suggests that there is a steady increase in teacher proficiency levels. In 2006, 63% of a random national sample of teachers described their skill set with computers and other classroom technologies as "somewhat advanced" or "advanced" (Williamson and Redish, 2009, p. 19). I think that is a postive indication that standards are responded to by school officials purchasing and providing further professional development for educators. · As I have worked with teachers and students in my current middle school, I try to feel my way through their technological experience. I know that there are many things for me to learn about technology hardware and software and everyone that I meet is an asset to my learning growth. Everyone has something to share and no one is an expert at everything. Teachers are quick to judge some information technology specialists as inexperienced or not proficient, but I have learned through collaborative work that everyone has strengths and weaknesses in applying their expertise in the technological realm.

**__Learn as a Learner __**
· In my field-based expereinces, I have attending many trainings to help myself become more proficient in the necessary softwares and hardwares available to us in our district. For example, our district has recently purchased the Skyward Informational Systems platform and learning the software has been tedious, but trainings and trial-and-error time have been beneficial to my hours. Also, I have recently been trained on the implementation of the MOBI smart board hardware and software. I see this tool as beneficial in ways for teachers and students to implement the Standard I ongoing professional learning and experiences. · As a learner, I like to implement my talents in a multi-dimensional process. I feel like I learn best through experiences and attaching it to an emotional experience, more than reciting or memorizing facts. Bransford and Cocking detail, "Adults-like students-need to acquire basic skills and foundational knowledge, but they are more likely to understand, retain, and transfer this knowledge when it is embedded in meaningful, authentic contexts (1999). So, I assess my learning by looking for products and a growth process in myself, emotionally and/or intellectually. When I attend technology conferences or professional developments, I feel like the things that I learn or absorb there will inevitably grow and advance my palate of experience. Even if the tools being used are not available on an everyday basis to me, I am able to recognize and transfer learned material to other platforms. · As I have worked with teachers and students in applying learning techniques and technological tools, I have learned that everyone comes to the table with different levels of fears and comfort with tools and learning new ways of learning. Each teacher has their level and builds upon that level to create meaning and understanding (Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, 1999). So to implement this Standard I with collegues through internship activities, I realized that I still have so much to learn and that is why the "required ongoing professional learning" (Williamson & Redish, p. 25) is present within this standard.

**__Lifelong Learning Skills __**
· In the future, I will apply as many experiences to my resume as possible that enable me to learn and grow in all areas of technology. I hope that I can learn about as much as possible in as little time and with as little money as possible. Mastery of technology operations and concepts is important for me to critically apply to my everyday work. · My past interactions and collaborations with collegues will impact my future experiences because I realize how difficult it is to teach children and learn new material at the same time. As we go about our daily lives and jobs, sometimes the implementation of new technologies can be daunting. I hope to help teachers make this process seemless and work-embedded so that they do not become frustrated or turned off my new technologies in the classroom. · How will we maintain technology competency as an ongoing pursuit for leaders with current financial cut-backs in education? What tools and strategies are helpful for technologist grappling with helping educators understand complex technical topics, even when we might not fully understand it all ourselves? What does one do when you feel like you don't know enough about a particular software or hardware to be able to be effective at leading technology-based lessons?

References:  Bransford, J. & Cocking, P. (1999). //How People learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school//. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. (1999). //Learning as a personal event: A brief introduction to constructivism//. Retrieved on November 4, 2009 from [].

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //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.