Comprehensive+Paper



Technology Leadership in Early Childhood Education

Teneika L. Punch EDLD 5388 Dr. Kay Abernathy December 2010

Taking on the role of technology facilitator has been a fulfilling task. Working in a high performing school requires that each person have something unique and valuable to bring to the team. I have enjoyed being there for my coworkers and knowing that I am helping them to integrate technology into their classrooms. Using the knowledge and skills I have gained through my coursework, I will be able to improve the technology experiences that students at Roberts Elementary will engage in during their primary education. They will be more prepared to tackle the new technologies that they will encounter in their future. It is my goal to stay abreast of the new trends, tools and methods and use my expertise to decide which ones would be beneficial to my campus. My current position as a Kindergarten teacher is my dream job, and I would never change it. Rather, I will impact the effectiveness of my school by helping teachers to use the many technological tools at their disposal.

The education world is changing in order to stay in tune with fast paced businesses of today. With the continual pressures for schools to perform well on standardized tests, teachers and administrators who are too focused on scores can lose sight of these changes. If students are to gain skills that will allow them to be viable in the future workforce, “they need individualized, real-world learning experiences”(Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006) with the most advanced technology tools that are available today.

**Hi-tech Hands-on ** Students with technology in their hands are excited and engaged in the learning process. Smart tools such as smart boards and smart tables make it possible for students to interact directly with the material they are learning. While student response systems allow the students to participate in a lesson, gain “immediate feedback”(University of Minnesota, 2009) and provide valuable assessment information to their teacher. Digital cameras and desktops are tools students can use to depict their understanding of content. All of these devices should be, at the very least, available to the well equipped classroom. It is, however, preferred that they be assigned to each class in order to facilitate more efficient use. **Working Around Wires ** Incorporating new technologies into a classroom often means using electricity. While that takes some degree of creativity in older schools, classrooms being constructed today should take technology needs into consideration. Classrooms wired with multiple floor outlets and internet drops for desktops dispersed throughout are ideal. Further, when presentation tools such as projectors and whiteboards are wall or ceiling mounted, it frees up valuable floor space. Students attend to the voice of the instructor better when speaker systems are used. **More Mobility ** Students who are working collaboratively need the freedom to move about while still being productive. There is no longer any need for students to be chained to a computer lab. Laptops and wireless internet make it easy for students to search the library’s catalog while standing amongst the bookshelves. Gone are the days of running to and from the library in an attempt to find resources. This added mobility allows students to be more efficient and spend more time on the creating products that demonstrate their understanding. Smart phones are another resource that, while shunned by many teachers, can be a great support in a classroom setting. The speed and ease with which Iphones and others like it allow students to obtain relevant data allows it to be incorporated in learning discussions almost seamlessly. For example, when completing the calendar in my classroom each morning there is sometimes an argument about what the weather will be, but with a quick consultation of any weather application, the forecast can be confirmed and instruction can continue. **Creating Connections ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The use of technology in isolation is not enough to prepare students to excel. They must also have a global outlook. Through interactions with peers all over the world, students can broaden their outlook and be more open minded to the ideas of others. They can use tools like video conferencing, blogs, podcasts and Skype to achieve this goal. According to Anderson (2008), videoconferencing helps students to have a greater understanding of the speaker’s dialogue due to the body language that is present. Administrators must, then, make these tools and sites available to students by being more selective about what is firewalled. Appropriate communication tools are often blocked out of fear of predators. Rather than shut students off from a world that they will inevitably have to face, we must educate them so they will make good choices in their communications and interactions. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Where will they be without these provisions? If students are not given the opportunities to collaborate, create, research, experiment and experience, they will quickly fall behind their peers. Schools everywhere are moving fast to keep up with the information-based business world. Those that don’t are doing their students a huge disservice. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">A Technology Facilitator’s Role ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">During this program, I have enjoyed developing activities that encouraged my colleagues to incorporate technology into their already extensive repertoires. The staff at my school is talented and versatile. They are eager to learn and enthusiastic about what they will be able to accomplish. I was happy to find my niche’ in this campus filled with high performing teachers doing something that I enjoy immensely. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Being one of a handful of teachers at Roberts that is comfortable using and guiding others to use various technologies has allowed me to gain many leadership opportunities. The administration was glad to put my knowledge and skills to good use. I was asked to provide hands-on training of Smartboard software during staff development days and led a semester long inquiry group for technology integration. Also, as the technology chair for my grade-level, it was up to me to seek out appropriate resources for our curriculum and decide what tools would be most beneficial in our classrooms. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The responsibilities that I shouldered were easy to manage and very enjoyable. I felt happy to know that my coworkers felt comfortable turning to me when they needed assistance. It was my goal to always keep an optimistic and humble attitude so they never felt inept. Working one-on-one or in small groups always allowed me to provide specific and timely support. Being somewhat soft-spoken made it hard for me to direct larger groups. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">The Lamar Program ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">My education in Lamar University’s Technology Leadership Program has extremely challenging and has caused to really examine my professional practice. The knowledge I have gained through my coursework has allowed me to see my school from multiple perspectives. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">EDLD 5306 ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The very first course, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fundamentals of Educational Leadership, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> gave me insight into the goals and visions of HISD policy makers. Reading Vision 20/20 made it clear that this district has very optimistic goals for the ways technology will be used in it school through the eyes of administrator. Though optimistic, they are certainly obtainable. I feel confident that schools are striving to make education comparable to the work world by including technology integrated curriculum and project-based learning. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Working through the assignments of EDLD 5306 forced me to work with web tools I had never used before. I learned how to create, use and communicate with a wikispace. I can see how efficient it is to collaborate through this and many other web 2.0 tools. I feel that having experience with the tools available will allow me to be a better technology facilitator and teacher. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">EDLD 5362 ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Information Systems Management also gave me more insight into the inner workings of the district. Chancery and Gradespeed are the programs that every teacher in HISD uses on a daily basis to manage student data. I was surprised to learn that, according to Chron.com, the district spent 18.4 million dollars on Chancery only to have to supplement it with Gradespeed soon after. Though I researched and even had my principal ask on my behalf, I was unable to obtain the price that was initially paid for Gradespeed. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Interviewing the registration clerk gave me insight into the complex tasks that a successful system must be able to perform. Administrators often have to create reports based on the campus’ student data. Mrs. Sones made it clear that SASI, the prior SIS was more efficient in filtering through the student data based on the criteria needed. Delving into the consequences and concerns that come with purchasing such an enormous district-wide program allowed me see the importance of thoroughly researching ahead of time, to be sure it will perform as needed. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">EDLD 5344 ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Though not directly related to technology, School Law is a course that is pertinent to any educator. This course gave me insight into the struggles that administrators must face. For example, I often wondered why students seem to receive much more lenient consequences for serious infractions than they did in years gone by. I see now that principals have to make their disciplinary actions fit perfectly within strict guidelines in order to avoid violating their student rights. Also, the discussions helped me to reflect on how fair I was being to my students in my class. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">EDLD 5363 ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Multimedia and Video Technology was a very humbling experience. I thought I was an advanced user of video technology, but I learned about many tools that I had not ever touched while in this course. I enjoyed using Photostory. It has an easy application in the elementary classroom. I can see many teachers using it to display class projects accompanied by narration that will make the task and objective clear to the viewers. Students can then use this in their digital portfolios. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Making the public service announcement with my team was certainly a challenge. We really had to become resourceful in order to share the video and audio files over the internet in a format that was compatible for each person’s computer. I was able to see how CEOs can work with people across the globe or just in another office. Google Docs served very well for our purposes, but I am interested in the new Microsoft platform that has become available recently.

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">EDLD 5366 ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">When I saw Digital Graphics on the degree plan I was very excited. It really sounded interesting and helped me decide that this program was right for me. The course introduced me to an animated world that I had never even heard of previously: Secondlife.com. The virtual world presents a fun opportunity for distance learners. The user interface is still somewhat complex and does not easily lend itself to the average computer user. Also, I am not sure that using it would be a better delivery method than web conferencing. I think this platform will engage many technology students and be a great avenue through which they can develop their scripting skills.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Another major component of the course was designing a newsletter. I was familiar with publisher prior to starting this course, but the lectures gave me insight into

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">ways to create a more appealing layout. The professor emphasized the importance of making sure our communication is able to compete for the attention of its audience.

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">EDLD 5364 ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Of all my courses, Teaching with Technology was the most different than I expected. I was thinking it would be about software that I could use in the presentation of information or that students could use to create products. It focused more on the planning of instruction and collaborating to make units of instruction. This course allowed me to about Cast’s UDL lesson building template and database. I intend to do more research to find how much of an asset it can be to teachers when I have more time. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">As I look back, I see that it was the courses that allowed me the framework to experiment with a new technology that I found most beneficial. I like being abreast of the many new technologies that have an educational application. Feeling like I have an advanced edge helps me feel more confident with helping my peers. The Educational Technology Leadership Program as a whole allowed me to see that it takes more than a working knowledge of peripherals in order to be an effective technology facilitator. I must be aware of all the applications, preparations, and legal, ethical and fiscal considerations that are included with using all of the technologies that have the potential to be available. Knowing that I have the ability to propel student learning and teacher vision to the next level is my biggest reward. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 200%;">Moving Further ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">In order to stay effective in any discipline, one must be continuously learning. This is especially true for technology education. Like many scientists that read the journals published by their colleagues, I will stay abreast of the issues, trends and developments by reading magazines such as __Edutopia__ and __Tech&Learning__. As new software and hardware are constantly being developed, I will also have to make informed decisions about if they would be beneficial to our campus. One of the more enjoyable tasks I will be delight to perform to stay informed will be regularly visiting the many tech mega-stores in Houston. As I see new tools come in, I can then research how they are being used by educators. The web blogs will also be a major source of information. Already, I spend hours at a time perusing coolest-gadgets.com. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">As for more formal learning, I can always depend on Tapped-In to provide a calendar full of education specific webinars. They even send reminders directly to my inbox. The inquiry based format of their sessions will be a great way for me to keep my creativity alive. Another resource I will have for professional development is the HISD e-train database. As a part of my yearly Independent Professional Development Plan, I can select trainings that will help me to meet my professional goals. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">In the years to come, I will endeavor to instill more confidence in my colleagues by providing continued small-group staff development sessions with one-on-one follow-up support. I know that with my leadership, the staff will become more efficient and innovative with their use of technology.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Appendix

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Teneika Punch **

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">6516 England Street ** **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Houston, TX 77021 ** **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">832-766-4878 ** **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">tpunch@houstonisd.org **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Grade Level Technology Leader 2006-Present <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Grade Level Science Chair 2010-Present
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Houston Independent School District, Houston, TX 2005 – Present **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Kindergarten Teacher, Oran Roberts Elementary **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lamar University, M. Ed in Educational Technology Leadership (GPA 3.7) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">University of Houston, B. S. in Academic Studies (GPA 3.9)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">CREDENTIALS **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Education **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">English as a Second Language (Grades EC-4) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Generalist (Grades EC-4)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Certifications **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Region IV Gifted and Talented 30-Hour Training <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Debbie Diller Differentiated Math 7-Hour Training
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Additional Training **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">REFERENCES (with permission) **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Houston Independent School District <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">6000 Greenbriar <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Houston, TX 77021 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">713-295-5272 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">swalton@houstonisd.org
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Stephanie Walton, Assistant Principal **