ETEC 561 - New Directions in IDT

Who really knows where Instruction Design Technology is headed?  As soon as you think you have a handle on things the way they are now, new technology comes out that blows the rest out of the water and changes our thinking about how we have always done things, creating new possibilities and new challenges.
The three emerging technology I chose pertain directly to my classes in Information Technology and STEM.  I would like to further study virtual worlds, digital games (or simulations) and networks or Web 2.0 technologies.
Since I was a kid, virtual reality has been a carrot dangled in front of our noses and has been feared and rejoiced for its possibilities.  From the Lawnmower Man to the Matrix, we see the potential power behind virtual reality.  My vision is not so all-encompassing, but can already be seen in augmented reality, like Google advertises with their Google Glasses.  Educationally, there are some really need augmented reality apps that can allow students to view and manipulate 3-D images.  DAQRI has several science apps that allow students to view the anatomy of a human in 3-D or using blocks, view molecules and manipulate elements to form bonds.  This allows students to view science in a whole new interactive way and help illustrate the concepts taught in class.
Computer gaming has been a hobby of mine since my mom first caved and bought us a Commodore 64.  The ability of gaming to attract and maintain a student's focus can be harnessed to maintain their focus while learning.  There are many games already out there to help young kids play and learn but I would like to focus on developing learning games for high school age students. While the learning outcomes may not be all that different from traditional means, the methods will be more fun and allow students to engage and enjoy the process, especially for students who do not perform well in a traditional classroom setting.
I chose Web 2.0 technologies because I teach Web Design classes and definitely need to stay on top of trends in developing web tech.  Whether I use this for instructional design or simply to keep up with my students in web design, Web 2.0 is coming and will effecting learning.  Web 2.0 will connect students and classrooms around the world, allowing for that global community we discussed last week.  Gone are the days of pen pals in other countries, now students can Skype to other countries and practice their foreign language skills directly with native speakers.  I think this ability alone will increase student language acquisition and will motivate learners to speak more fluently.
I believe all three of my chosen technologies enhance accessibility and accommodate diverse learning needs by expanding current educational possibilities with new ways to explore.   These technologies can be used to enhance current instructional design by allowing students more real-world applications for what they are learning.  In the case of augmented reality, it will allow students to manipulate items they would otherwise not be able to use or even see.  Teacher guidance would enhance learning by demonstrating how to use these tools and what it all means.  Teachers would need adequate training in these technologies to successfully use them in their classrooms.

ETEC561: IDT Positions

I am currently a first year teacher at Caddo Mills High School.  While this is my sixth year working at Caddo Mills, this is my first year as a classroom teacher.  I began as an aide in the Content Mastery room and was moved to the Registrar/PEIMS position when it became available.  I am certified in Business Education and Technology Education.  With the changes brought on by House Bill 5, the district created a position for me focusing on Information Technology and STEM endorsements.  I am currently working on my Master's in Educational Technology - Leadership or Library Science.  While I am quite partial to Library Science, I know the job market for school librarians is very tight.  While our district employs only two certified librarians, we have at least two other teachers who are already certified to take their place.  I also know state funding is effecting librarians and districts are expecting more technology support from librarians as a secondary job description.  My other option is to focus on technology with the hopes of being able to teach dual credit technology courses to high school seniors. Either way, I am happy to pursue my Master's (just getting started) and continue in the classroom while I try and figure out the best path for me.  Ideally, I could spend three years in the classroom, complete my library certification and land a job as the high school librarian when our current librarian retires or possibly middle school, if we grow to the size that requires a librarian for that campus.  With a Leadership degree, I could begin teaching dual credit as soon as my Master's was complete provided the district approves the addition of those courses.  While our district does employ staff to maintain and train in instructional design technology, I do not envy those jobs.  I appreciate everything they do but they are stretched thin and are always required to do more with less.  My main requirement for future employment is remaining at Caddo Mills ISD until my children graduate, over six years from now.
I definitely want to remain in the Education sector.  Ideally, I would like to work as a high school librarian at Caddo Mills High School.  This position involves so much more than checking out books to students.  Our librarian also teaches a Career and Tech course in Business English, handles all enrollment for our online courses in Odysseyware, distributes technology to teacher's classrooms, and sponsors staff training in technology.  I would love to be able to support the design of classroom instruction using technology from the library.  The job requirements for a librarian certification is three years in the classroom (this is my first), a master's degree (working on it) and a library certification.  Then I just have to convince the school board I am the best candidate for the job.  I already call myself the "Assistant, Assistant Librarian Assistant," because I help the library aides when the real librarian is out.  I believe the librarian certification courses will prepare me for what I need to know about the library, but while pursuing that educationally, I will also be working with the current librarian (who recommends this course of action for me) to learn the skills specific to our high school library.  I am already familiar with software used for tracking student book usage and AR testing, Odysseyware courses and student enrollment, and purchase order requirements for new book orders.  I will need to sharpen my technology skills and begin to offer tech training to other teachers in new areas in order to demonstrate my abilities there.  I intend to try this anyway.
There are many great organizations and conferences to join and attend.  I am attending a day from Discovery Education later this month, sponsored by Region 10.  There is also the state TCEA technology conference in Austin next February I am hoping to attend.  I think if I joined a professional technology organization it would be the TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association).  They offer tons of programs and training in a wide variety of areas that favor my teaching specialization.  I would favor a Texas organization over a national one because it will be more specialized and specific for needs of teachers in our state.  Global and national organizations have their merits, but I would prefer one that can specifically address needs of Texas teachers meeting Texas standards.   TCEA is also affiliated with the International Society for Technology in Education.  I could benefit immediately by joining this organization and would continue to see benefits as a high school librarian.