Reflective Blog #1

Writing out the rough draft of my Technology Philosophy has given me a new focus on my use of technology and a renewed focus for my classes this semester and my school once I get my first position as an administrator. I have always been concerned about the students getting the best they can from my classes, but now I can better focus my efforts in attempting to make that happen. In choosing and designing projects for this class, my philosophy will guide me to choose the projects that best fit my philosophy and goals instead of simply grabbing the one that catches my interest at the moment.

In reading November's article "Creating a New Culture of Teaching and Learning," I found his point #4 to be most interesting and thought provoking. That point is "Don't Do Technology Plans." When I first read that heading, I thought he had lost his mind. After all, isn't that what all this is about: using technology, making technology work, etc. But, as I read through that section of the article, I realized just how valid his point is. It is unfortunate that the people in Washington couldn't catch the validity so easily. Here, November points out that the technology is a tool that is a means of achieving an end. What is important what is done with the technology rather than the technology itself. If we focus on the technology, then we end up Automaters instead of Informaters. If we focus on the information and the communication, and treat the technology as the means instead of the end, we end up as Informaters instead of Automaters. If we become Informaters, we achieve the transformation in education that our changing culture and society make necessary.

What potential uses do I see for blogging? At present, my vision for blogging is growing exponentially. At one time, I looked at it as simply a way to get information out to others. But, truthfully, it could be used for so many purposes in so many fields that it could be treated like a type of social networking that has more controlability in terms of who is involved, who can add and edit, who can see posts and comments, etc.

Keeping in mind the idea that technology is a transformative tool for education, I would suggest considering blogging as a means for students to gain more polished communication skills as suggested in this video:


This needs to be the next phase of education in this country. It is time for our schools to step into the 21st Century and start leading the way instead of always following the trends. If we can find and adapt new technologies before businesses, we will once again become the world's leading superpower, but in terms of knowledge and business rather than simply in terms of military might.

In this class, I expect to learn more about making this type of transformation happen within my classroom and within a school. I expect to learn ways that I may be able to take this transformative power to other schools and eventually to the larger education community beyond my own school.