Module+1+Reflection

How has your knowledge of technology standards changed after this module? Reflect on your own use of technology standards in your classroom and personal use.
 * Prompt**

**Description** My assignment was to read the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers Booklet and to also read chapter 1 from the Technology Facilitation and Leadership book. Sadly, I never knew these standards existed!

**Impact** Wow! I'm pleased to say that I've already learned a lot simply from reading one chapter and a booklet. Like I stated before, I never knew these standards existed. I also didn't know the difference between NETS**∙**T and NETS**∙**S nor did I realize the difference between a technology facilitator and leader. This was all great information and provided me with a nice starting point and a "behind the scenes" introduction into the field of technology. One of the reasons that I chose the I.T. Master's program was to make myself more marketable, so it was wonderful to get a glimpse of what some of the people in the technology field are responsible for doing.

After reading and engaging in class discussions, my wheels are already turning. I caught myself nodding my head in agreement as I read specific passages from the books. For example, page 21 of the ISTE's book brought up a point that I couldn't agree more with. It states that,"Critics have expressed concern that technology skills training has been overemphasized in teacher professional development, while support for integrating technology into academic content areas has been neglected." I can relate to this in a way. My district is great about providing an abundance of technology-related professional development classes. In fact, I have taken many of them. The information is great and is very engaging and relevant. The instructors are wonderful, too! Since I've learned about a lot of great technology tools, now I'd love to take the next step and learn more about how to integrate them into my classroom/curriculum. I would love to feel more comfortable and confident using a variety of technological tools to teach my students. Until now, I never really put much thought into why I don't feel confident stepping away from the familiar, and trying out new, different forms of technology. I now realize it's because I feel informed, but don't feel 100% prepared to integrate just yet. I feel like I have learned about new things, but don't fully know how to //apply// and //use// them in ways that will benefit my students. The technology instructors have set a great platform for me, and I know that continuing the PD classes in Barberton will help me continue to grow, and help me overcome my fears of integration. Also, after reading these books, I have a few ideas about how I might be able to get started with that!

**Intent** I am very comfortable speaking with our district's technology coach; she is great! So, I will also talk to her and see if she can help me with some integration techniques!