Final Blog Post - Reflections and Changes

Reflecting upon the words by Fullan, Cuttress, Kilcher in “ 8 Forces for Leaders of Change”, one of the most powerful drivers of change involves learning from peers, especially those who are further along in implementing new ideas” (Fullan, Cuttress,Kilcher, 2005). Heeding these authors’ words of wisdom means placing myself in a leadership position to act as a change agent that brings awareness and willingness to my colleagues to try new technologies, evaluate them and then adopt them.

Our assignment for this final course called, New and Emerging Technologies was to develop a learning activity using an online learning module, MUVE, or digital game. Its purpose was to teach us how to select on-line opportunities such as games, MUVES, and mini-modules to incorporate into our teaching. I chose a mini module called, Architect Studio 3D for this assignment called, “Changing the Game at My School”. I explored this site and found that it supported my visual art outcomes and facilitated an enriching learning experience. It includes information about architect and the famous architect named, Frank Lloyd Wright. It consists of experiences that are virtual. Creating my lesson around the digital module highlights the advantages that the Internet brings. Many games, modules, and learning activities on the Internet permit students to mimic and experience what real professionals practice in a just -in-time sense. Students get the knowledge when they need it. It allows students to adjust their choices so no one feels like they failed. It also levels out the learning field and differsifies for all students. The Internet allows teachers to customize teaching and support their lessons. It expands learning and meets students learning styles for this century.

The whole experience of searching for a game or digital module is motivating and cleared any misconceptions about utilizing emerging technologies. I must make the effort to make my peers aware of the advantages and effectiveness that technology offers. Technology adoption is what Everett Rogers calls, “diffusion”. In his article called, “Diffusion of Innovations” (Sahin,2006, p.3), Rogers says the adoption of new ideas arrives when teachers become aware, are willing to evaluate and try out a new technology. It will take persuasion on my part to promote the use and adoptions of available digital educational opportunities. My role is to create the awareness, offer my peers several online sites that align with their subject’s standards so that they may begin their integration of technology. If I place myself in a leadership position and create the need to know for others, and myself, change will come.

“Changing the Game at My School” also required us to identify several grant resources. Multiple corporations offer funding for non-profit organizations. Sharing my level of commitment to transform my school into a 21st, century learning environment will be even more effective if I can gather a team of teachers and write a grant proposal.

I understand that our students are growing up in a digital culture. Perhaps promoting the grant proposal to my peers and asking them to do the same will motivate their efforts for further adoption of changing the game at our school and transform learning for 21st century learners.

References

Lemke, C., & Coughlin, E. (2009). The Change Agents. Educational Leadership, 54-59. doi: Waldenulibrary

Sahin, I. (2006, April 2006). Detailed Review of Roger’s Diffusion of Innovations Theory and Educational Technology-Related Studies Based on Rogers’ Theory. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology-, 5(2). doi: Waldenulibrary