Learning for Life

  Assessment in Distance Education by: Kim Blackenburg     "Assessment is defined as the process of measuring, documenting, and interpreting behaviors that demonstrate learning" (Simonson & Zvacek, 2024, p. 242). Assessment in distance education can be tricky due to lack of face to face interaction. Students must have an extremely clear vision of the instructor's expectations. "One of the characteristics of a good assessment tool is that it matches the objectives; learners know what to expect because they have already been made aware of what is important and how they will be expected to demonstrate their mastery of this knowledge or skill" (Simonson & Zvacek, 2024, p. 248) . Specific and intentional design of  a course site is critical to student success. Students must be able to clearly understand expectations and find assignment expectations easily and quickly.  " Formative and summative assessments, grades, and feedback should all be easy to find...

  Leveling Up Distance Education by Kim Blackenburg       Distance Education gained popularity since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. During that time, teachers across the world were thrust into the sometimes uncharted territory of online learning.  Teachers had to find a way to engage students but also ensure that students were learning necessary content without in person interaction. "More often, educators are using technology to increase the access of the distance learner to the local classroom and to other learners, wherever they are, to improve access of all learners to resources, and to make the experience of the remote student equivalent to the experience of the local learner" (Simonson & Zvacek, 2024, p. 27). I have had the opportunity to participate in many distance learning courses for professional development and through the Ed. S. program at the University of Montevallo. The best distance learning experiences have well communicated exp...

  Agent for Change: The Future of Technology in Education      Technology is rapidly changing the world we live in. Education is no different. The most recent and potentially, the most transformative is artificial intelligence (AI). The most meaningful and effective use of AI is still being debated among educational leaders. However, its presence is ubiquitous and unable to be denied. Educators must learn to embrace it and use it appropriately without removing the human element of creativity, innovation, and social emotional learning in the classroom. "By embracing AI technologies, educators can foster personalized learning, enhance creativity, and optimize their time and effort. However, it is essential to address challenges such as quality control and ethical considerations to ensure responsible use. Integrating generative AI tools into teacher education programs, providing practical training, and fostering collaborations with technology experts are key steps towar...

Simulations as Professional Development   Professional development for teachers and school administrators is imperative for professional growth. Most professional development is delivered face to face by coaches, administrators, or teachers. Training, especially in technology use and integration, is essential to success. “Often teachers and instructional coaches are used to perform various services, such as providing professional development to   peers, planning and reviewing progress toward technology plan goals, supervising   students helping to perform support functions, providing pedagogical support to peers,  and even providing direct technical support” (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 107). While this method of professional development is important, I have personally found simulations to also be effective. While participating in three simulations throughout this semester, I have participated in three school leadership simulations, on...

The Importance of Network Connectivity in School Issued Technology           Technology is critically important in today's classrooms. Students and teachers are expected to be adept at the use of a myriad of different types of technologies. Technological proficiency prepares students for the career fields of the future. In order to achieve this goal, schools must be adequately equipped with networks that not only fuel technology but also guard against potential threats. Wireless connections and networks are ubiquitous in our world. Schools are no exception. "For complete coverage of a school building, numerous access points will be necessary, and the ability to actively and easily manage these devices should be a consideration. Careful planning should be used when designing, installing, and implementing these network systems" (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 153). Making sure that any device used at school can securely access networks is paramount. "Steps mu...

  Evaluating Technology Integration in Schools Technology has become a huge part of a school district's budget. Technology integration is ubiquitous in schools across the country, and the investments being made are enormous. Therefore, it is incumbent upon districts to evaluate the impact that technology purchases make in the classroom. "Significant educational resources have been invested to install and implement educational technology in classrooms. In the past, it may have been possible to evaluate this investment in terms of either numbers of students per device or level internet connectivity, but today boards of education and school leaders often focus on finding ways to determine whether this investment is paying off in terms of student learning" (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 187). Educational technology tools are most effective when they provide teachers and students with equal parts efficiency, engagement, and enhancement of learning. Technology can make le...