EDU+580+Module+5+Reflection

EDU 580 Module 5 Reflection
The ePortfolio was a nice way to assess how I am doing in leadership development. As far as my strength as a leader, it is definitely in Standard Three. I feel like I do a good job of creating and securing a safe learning environment that focuses on the students. My experience as a Civil Rights and O Ambassadors adviser has definitely provided me with this opportunity. Providing this safe environment for my students in my classroom is something that I am passionate about. I know that when I develop my vision as a formal leader, it will be something that is on the top of my list.

Unfortunately my weakness as a leader is definitely involving all stakeholders in the schooling process. This weakness is connected to Standard One, Four, and Six. I am embarrassed to say that I very rarely have contact with parents or community members. I know and believe that it is important but I just never seem to do it. I put it on my professional goals every year but I still never get to it. As a formal leader, I am aware of the importance of this communication. I plan to really try and make a solid effort to communicate with the parents and community this year.

I really liked the idea of the ePortfolio. I am not sure how I would use it in my classroom. Our students are not 1:1 on computers so it is really hard to spend a lot of time on a lengthy computer assignment and meet curriculum requirements. I tried using Wikis this year and it was disastrous. I think that an ePortfolio would be best served in a school that was standards based. We plan to be there in the next couple of years so I will definitely suggest this program.

I tried the Weebly program to create the ePortfolio. This was the first time that I had used this program. Normally I would have used the Wiki program but I found last time that I had trouble with formatting so I was looking for something new. I really liked the program. It was user friendly and easy to navigate. I did have some trouble with font sizing but it appeared to be an easy fix once I got the help that was needed. I did have a slight break through in technology skills this summer. Normally I would have had to receive a lot of help understanding the program. This summer I was able to use my previous knowledge and experience to fix several other problems that I encountered in Weebly. I was successfully able to figure out how to attach files all on my own. I did felt very proud of myself when I did – I am making progress!

I think that I was able to handle this new technology tool because I took some time to self explore before I actually began the project. I looked around the site, experimented a little, and then begin working with the content. I found this really worked for me given that I had experience with creating webpages. I was able to use my previous knowledge and skills to make connections to the new program. I think that I need to do this more for my students. I do not usually provide them exploring time. I think that since they are already so experienced with technology that given them self-exploratory time may possibly save time on technology skills and questions. This could beneficial be to me, as it may be helpful in solving my time problem with using technology.