EDLD+5362


 * EDLD 5370 – Part 2.3 Course-Embedded Reflections for EDLD 5362 Information Systems Management **

Assignment one began with an interview of a Veteran Teacher of 20 years or more. In this interview we were to compare and contrast their teaching practices before and after the availability of the Internet in schools. In reflecting back on the assignment, I thought it fruitless then and now. Yet, while typing my reflection I experienced an ‘aha’ moment. Our campus is fortunate to be technology enriched, yet a reoccurring theme surfaced in the interview and throughout my Lamar studies. Ms. Becker (personal communication, January 13-14, 2010) stated, “Technology can help on any level if you know the programs that will get them there. This is the first campus I have been on that is rich with technology, programs, and computers. But, without continuous professional training, how can I help my students?” In fact Williamson and Redish (2009) also bring up the issues our campus is facing, maintaining competency, teaching isolated skills, not modeling best practices related to curriculum, etc.

Assignment two required us to create a PowerPoint presentation featuring two networks that would be utilized in our current position and the impact it had. I had forgotten about the assignment so it was a great refresher to revisit the sites. Both sites I researched were social networking sites that would all me to model technology integration seamlessly.

Another interview for week three, this one with our district’s Student Information System (SIS) Manager. I was nervous about this interview due to the fact that many were posting on the discussion board that district personnel were not very accommodating to interview. Fortunately for me, our district personnel, Dr. Ball, Executive Director of Employee and Student Services was very cooperative. There is so much behind the scenes that we take for granted. For example, as teachers we know the importance of PEIMS and how it affects our district and campus financially. Yet, I was not aware of how technology permeates every aspect of our educational organization even PEIMS. It is through the RSCCC reporting system that districts are able to provide information on our district organization, finances, staff and students to the Texas Education Agency. PEIMS being one component, RSCCC has a Business System as well as a Student System. Dr. Ball mentioned that to be in compliance with Texas Education Code (TEC) § 44.007 HB1 it was required that all school districts use an accounting system that will meet their needs yet “demonstrate compliance with the requirements of a grant or other funding source” ( Texas Education Agency, January 3, 2007). It’s amazing how State and Federal government intertwines all aspects of education yet until EDLD 5344 School Law that significance sunk in.

In creating my futurist model classroom, I was very impressed at the time with all the innovation our campus possessed. What still disappoints me is the lack of technology ownership. The ever changing administration does not add to continuity, of programs. The new regime is has a greater interest in student achievement then to be concerned if technology is being integrated.

In summary the assignments completed in EDLD 5362 Informational Systems Management I have learned that, “Technology affects all our lives, whether working in K-12, higher education or the corporate world” (Weingand, 1995). It is a fine thread that we are no longer aware of, only that it improves our quality of life. Though technology has made a great impact on our lives, there is always the downside; continuous technology training, out-dated systems, software, misuse of technology, etc. It is our responsibility as future Technology Leaders to be cognizant of the ever changing needs in our schools and districts.

Texas Education Agency. (January 3, 2007). //Review and Evaluation of Accounting systems and financial Management in Independent School Districts and Charter School.// Austin, TX: Texas Education Agency. Becker, J. (2010, January 13 and 14). Compare and Contrast Teaching Practices Before and After the Availibility of the Internet in Schools. (D. Revilla, Interviewer) Redish, J. W. (2009). //ISTE's Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards.// Eugene: International Society for Technology in Education. Weingand, D. (2004, May 12). //Futures Research Methodologies: Linking Today's Decisions With Tomorrow's Possibilties.// Retrieved November 22, 2010, from Technology in Education: www.mathguide.com/research/Technology.ppt
 * Reference **