Section 5: Trends and Issues in Various Settings

I have been in education for twenty years, so P-12 Technology Integration continues to force me to grow.  After seventeen years as a secondary English teacher, I chose to start a new venture by becoming a District Media Specialist.  Now, I am the District Media Specialist and Instructional Technologist for Mt. Vernon ISD.  As I read chapter 21, I reflected on the progress I have personally made over the years in attitude, skills, and understanding of technology integration.  I guess the biggest epiphany I have had is that technology should be used for the most difficult concepts, not just to add something fun to a lower level objective, which is, in my opinion, the largest mistake educators make.

Business and industry instructional design teach that data is vital to lead the way in regards to effective production and every level of organization (district to department).  The military exemplifies that the mission holds the most importance. Focus on the initiative!  The red tape (protocol, budgets, timelines, political powers...) can be overwhelming.  Therefore, one must not lose the intensity for the goal (preparing students for a technological world).  Health care shows the benefits of putting money and time toward an intensive professional development training program.  Medical professionals and their employees have much to lose if procedures are not completed correctly (as do educators).  I cannot help but wonder if we approached education with the hunger for the data, the mission, and the intensive training if we could change the future for 21st century learners.  It sounds fluffy and idealistic to some degree, but it is truly the simple answer.  I see the resistance to change, to growth, to technology, to engagement, to challenges.... everyday.  Sometimes I feel like I am the only one with excitement in my heart.  It isn't true, but instructional design and implementing it is difficult in the best of circumstances
because it deals with people.

I enjoyed these chapters and contemplating where I started as an educator, where I have traveled, and the distance ahead.  I believe that leaders of the business world, military, health profession, and education have the answer to our challenges in today's schools, but it takes an unconventional and willing approach to solve them... together, the ultimate example of collaboration.