5306+Embedded+Assignment+Reflection

 || == Course Name:  ==  || == Course-based Embedded Hours  ==
 * == Course Number: ==

(see Appendix I)
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 * ** EDLD 5306  **    ||   **  Concepts of Educational Technology  **    ||  **  12  **  ||
 * == Description of the ==

(see Appendix I)
 ||  **  A.  ** Analyze Texas STaR Chart data, create a presentation for faculty on results and post the presentation to blog site where you also write 250-word opinion piece on one of the four areas of Texas Long Range Plan for Technology. Include (1) Description of the area. (2) Progress in the area (include local, state, and national progress. (3) Trends in the area (include local, state, and national progress. (4) Your recommendations for improvement in the area. ** B.  ** Create a wiki reference document.   || · The knowledge you gained from the assignment. (2 points) · The relation of new information to Technology Facilitator Standards and Performance Indicators (2 points). · The relation of information gained to personal experience. (2 points) · Discussion at a critical level, not just recitation of facts. Discussion at a critical level means discussing things such as your opinion of the reading or experience, why you hold that onion, what you see wrong with the reading or experience, how you see the reading or experience is consistent or inconsistent with what you have learned so far, implications for the future, (4 ) · Insights into the patterns of interactions of colleagues.(2 points) · Group processes including: who had power, authority, or influence; who was participating and who was not, who was not included, how did you or another leader draw the silent participants out; was there confrontation, conflict, consensus, agreement, hurt feelings? (2 points) · Notations addressing the affective or feeling tone evident, concerns you noticed. (2 points) · Questions you have that you should research or about which you can seek expert advice from your campus-based supervisor or your professor. (2 points) · Issues that puzzle you. (2 points)  ||   In the course Concepts of Educational Technology, I successfully completed and assignment that will prove valuable for future leadership activities. The activity centered on the Texas STaR Chart and the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology 2006 – 2020. It is important to understand and reflect on the knowledge gained from this assignment. Also the strategies and tools used to better understand and work with the information should be remembered. Finally, a description of the documentation and communication employed for further reference. As a classroom teacher my knowledge of the STaR Chart was limited to my participation in the annual survey of my campus and its technology. I had no idea why this was done or what was done with the information collected. This assignment has given me valuable insight on those and more aspects of the STaR Chart. I learned that the Texas STaR Chart is an important tool. It is used in a variety of ways including, planning, monitoring, and measuring technology on a campus or in a district. The STaR Chart survey addresses four Key areas, Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation, Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support, and Infrastructure. In the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology 2006 - 2020, one of the four areas addressed is Infrastructure for Technology. This area is the foundation of our future in Educational Technology in Texas. The report states that "Texas will need a truly high-performance infrastructure to take advantage of new technologies that can, significantly reduce costs, increase student access, and improve communication and collaboration among all stakeholders" (TLRPT 2010). Helpful in my completion of this assignment, beyond the guidance of the course facilitators, was the vast amount of data and information available online. Information to better help understanding of the Texas STaR Chart and Long Range Plan for Technology was available on several websites including TEA ( [] ) and Texas STaR Chart ( [] ). Campus and district data is available to desegregate, review, and compare. My local school district data can be compared to other districts around Texas to understand weaknesses and strengths. While schools receive guidance and support of the Texas Legislature and the federal government, the crucial support lies with all the stakeholders in the community. It is for his reason that the understanding, results, comparisons, forecasts, and more should be shared with the community. Creating and sharing a presentation of this important tool, the STaR Chart, is critical for two reasons. First, it documents research and critical studies that were completed regarding the TLRPT. Next, it gives all the stakeholders an opportunity to be involved in the understanding of district and campus goals and expenditures for future technology initiatives. Posting this information on a website (blog / wiki) will allow 24/7 access and show the community the schools commitment to the students. In the course Concepts of Educational Technology, I successfully completed and assignment that will prove valuable for future leadership activities. The activity centered on the Texas STaR Chart and the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology 2006 – 2020. It is important to understand and reflect on the knowledge gained from this assignment. Also the strategies and tools used to better understand and work with the information should be remembered. Finally, a description of the documentation and communication employed for further reference. ||