Personal Learning Reflection.

When I began this course, I was looking for ways to further integrate technology into my workplace. I felt that I was using a wide variety of technology tools and was able to use these tools effectively. I still firmly believe that we have to teach our students to use these new tools effectively, so that they can make the right choices.

This course has taught me many new things, not only new tools, but many of the sessions have added value to my knowledge. This has been mainly in terms of being able to answer the question 'why'. When I previously tried to introduce these new tools into my workplace, I never really addressed the question "why are we doing this?'. Much of the work I have done has made me, firstly consider the reasons for doing something, secondly, give evidence as to why using certain tools will benefit our students.

My personal learning curve has been heading up since day one of this course. Each of the different sessions has added so much to my development. In the early sessions I was able to further my understanding of web 2.0 technologies and collaborative technologies. I used this information to discuss with members of my leadership team, why I wanted to see teachers in my organisations adding web 2.0 tools to their toolkits. As a result, I have now implemented classroom twitter accounts and will be starting a blogging programme for our upper elementary students. The collaborative tools, particularly Google Docs have been fantastic. Although we are not yet using Google across the school, I have begun setting up documents for teachers to collaborate on. This has been particularly useful during the recent flooding in Thailand. Teachers, who have been dispersed all over the country, have been able to contribute to our efforts to provide an on-line learning environment.

Getting Things Done provided me with a framework to really think about to organise everything I was trying to do. With all the technology I have been trying to integrate into our organisation, I often felt as if I was juggling too many balls and in danger of dropping a few. I enjoyed the work on PLN's as I feel I was able to add value to an area I feel is very important. In the course article, Warlick outlined three types of PLN. Personally Maitained Synchronus Connections, Personally and Socially Maintained Semi Synchronus Connections and Dynamically Maintained Asynchronus Connections. For my PLN Visualistaion, I applied my networks to the three types as outlined by Warlick. I found this exercise extremely useful as it allowed me to examine areas which needed to be improved. My PLN was enhanced.

The session on Digital Citizenship probably led to the most reflection. It was a realisation of how we have to teach our students how to use technology and the internet in a responsible manner. I have since looked at ways to do this within my organisation by looking at ways of providing our students with the knowledge and skills to make the correct choices. As an extension of this my SIG Group presentation allowed me to develop a deeper understanding about Digital Footprints and the importance of maintaining a positive one. The SIG presentation also introduced my to a fantastic bookmarking tool, Symbaloo and gave me first hand experience of collaboration using Google Docs.

As I mentioned earlier in the post, I have enjoyed being able to answer the question 'why' when recently implementing technology initiatives. It is always good to be able to back up what you are putting forward with research. TPACK gave me an insight into more theory on how important technology is in education today. My organisation has recently been examining our curriculum and I have introduced the TPACK model and information from p21.org. I feel that technology will add value to the changes and must be included in any development plans.

Many of the ideas/ theories I have examined have helped me to think of how to take technology forward in our School. I had been working on a plan called the Road ahead. The session on ISTE nets, 21st Century Skills and the Personal technolgy plan allowed me to reflect on areas of The Road Ahead which needed to be developed. The NETS for Teachers and Students will help me to implement this plan in an effective manner.

Recently, my School was closed due to the terrible flooding here in Thailand. Next week we open at 3 different location spread widely across the city. There will not be the usual technology available and internet will be limited. Perfect timing to be introduced to mobile learning. On day one I shall be asking all of my students to bring in their mobile devices and using many of the ideas form the session inorder to really enhance the learning experience.

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed CEP 810. I have benefitted in so many areas by doing the course. Many of the ideas I have learnt from have been put to practical use over the last 8 weeks, and many more will be used in the future. Not only has the course been od benefit to me, it has also been of benefit to many of my students and colleagues.