Running Head: COMPREHENSIVE FINAL TECH LEADERSHIP
Comprehensive Final Exam Educational Technology Leadership
Janet K. Kelly
Lamar University
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Comprehensive Final Exam Educational Technology Leadership
This comprehensive final exam is the culmination of eighteen months of intense learning
and engaging challenges. Our work has included projects, research, reflection, online creations,
field-based activities and even more reflections. The path of this degree has covered many
aspects of using technology in schools including wikis, blogs, electronic books, podcasts, web
conferencing, information systems, video and multimedia technology, and desktop publishing
and animation. In addition, we have also completed a few administration courses to better equip
us for leadership positions. In this exam, I will reflect on the work done in six of the classes.
For myself, I began this degree with the thought that I would like to obtain my masters in
a way that did not interfere (too much) with my family life. I began a masters degree in
educational technology in 1987, but went on to a teaching career before finishing. After teaching,
I spent twenty years as a stay-at-home mom to my seven children. I began to reconsider future
employment as the children began to leave for college. Soon, I would have a lot of time on my
hands and wanted to be skilled enough to enter the workforce. I previewed three different
programs before choosing the Lamar University degree. I am so glad I choose this program
because it has allowed me to regain lost ground in the education world and especially
technology. I know that the knowledge I have gained will help me in any office job I may take.
Position Goal
After receiving my degree, I hope that employment at a community college either
teaching or working in the academic advising department is in the future. Originally, I had
planned to work at a community college within the Alamo Community College district, which
will open in a few years within two miles of my current residence. However, Pearland ISD near
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Houston named my husband their superintendent, and he began working August 1, 2011. My
children and I will move there within the next two weeks. With this change in location, I am
unsure about where I will work in the future, but there are many opportunities in our new
location. The University of Houston at Clear Lake - Pearland is less than one mile away, so after
settling in, I will investigate that possibility. I have been out of the workforce for many years, I
believe the knowledge I have gained will help to make me a more marketable job candidate. The
technology skills I have learned will help me not only do my job well, but have allowed me to
become familiar enough to help me learn new programs more intuitively.
Educationally, I desired to finish this degree to put myself on an equal playing field when
looking for employment. I also desired to “test my brain”; to see if could still accomplish much
in the educational setting. Personally, this degree has been an interesting activity addition to our
family life. Sometimes, my children could help me with assignments and other times it was over
their heads. When we learned about animation, my twelve-year-old enjoyed learning the Scratch
program with me and began making his own animations.
I do believe I can help in technology infusion in the school environment, but not
necessarily through an administrative job. I have experience in campaigns and find bond
elections quite fun. Many times bond elections include technology purchases. I have also
attended more than ten TASB/TASA conferences and one day might be able to run for a school
board position.
Educational Technology Leadership Goals
As a leader, I hope to accomplish the task of motivating and inspiring those under me to
do great work for others. I hope that my integrity as an individual will provide clear goals and
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initiatives to meet as I accomplish the tasks placed before me. In education, I hope that any
future job I have will provide opportunity to incorporate technology in both teaching and
classroom management to bring about the classroom of the future to my students. I hope to
incorporate the forms of teaching to allow for the full use of technology in the classroom. Even
though I am moving to a location that is urban, web conferencing and Skype will allow me to
bring the rest of the world to my students.
The necessity of creating successful students in all occupations motivates me to lead in
technology use amidst my peers. The requirements of education are large and varied as our world
changes. Schools must embrace technology to ensure that students received high quality
education that prepares them for a job in the future. “Technology is impacting all of our lives,
and especially the lives of students, in new and expanding ways” (Johnson, Smith, Levine, &
Haywood, 2010, p. 4). The prototype classroom of the 21st century is one that encompasses the
full use of technology to prepare students for their future careers. Our superintendent says, “We
are not educating these kids to get a job in 1960; we are educating them to go to college or get a
job in 2020” (J. Kelly, personal communication, May 7, 2011).
I do have a personal need to make a significant impact on others outside our home.
Whether this occurs through employment or mentoring others or my family, I do not know. This
summer, I spent three months mentoring another woman who desires to balance career, home
and outreach to others. This is a daunting task for many women, especially those in education
who have families. Education careers require that you pour yourself into the lives of those you
teach, lead or mentor. It is difficult at times to draw the lines between the different aspects of our
lives.
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My activities and accomplishments performed during my master’s work will prepare me
well for participation on a community college campus. Working with my Skype group in cohort
13, working with my mentor and the other Campus Instructional Technologists in Boerne ISD,
and working with the elementary teachers at our school has developed my leadership capacity.
The Lamar University Academic Partnership courses have prepared me well with the knowledge
and skills needed for the 21st century classroom.
A Forward Vision for Technology in Education
As a future education worker, I do believe that I need to stay abreast of the latest
technology innovations to keep current. Knowing what are the up and coming technology trends
is very important. The 2011 Horizon Report: K-12 Edition discusses the technology that has the
most impact right now and will advance quickly in education. This report covers cloud
computing, game based learning, mobiles, open content, learning analytics and personal learning
environments (Johnson, Adams, & Haywood, The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition,
2011). These technologies are meeting expectations from parents and educators as the value of
creativity is increasing as a means for our nation to stay ahead of India and China in our
economy (Pink, 2006). In addition, as the cost of education rises, these technologies provide
ways to meet individual learning needs, which include independent study, distance learning, and
mentoring relationships (Johnson, Smith, Levine, & Haywood, 2010).
In my desire to fulfill my position goals as a student working on an online master’s
degree, I learned about professional development committees through our varied projects
requiring collaboration and collective learning. I also participated in the webinar introducing
professional learning communities on the Texas Virtual Network. In addition, part of my field
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based activities included participating in a Verizon Thinkfinity class and joining the included
professional learning community. I now understand the dynamics and requirements for distance
learning and the need for independent study skills. With many distractions in our lives, family
and children, volunteer work and jobs; it is difficult to finish an advanced degree – especially
one you complete in your home.
As an educational leader in technology, I hope that I can motivate students through the
use of technology in new ways. “The NMC Horizon Report: 2011 K-12 Edition examines
emerging technologies for their potential impact on and use in teaching, learning, and creative
expression within the environment of pre-college education” (Johnson, Adams, & Haywood, The
NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition, 2011, p. 3). I believe this creative expression will be the
key ingredient to helping students stay motivated in pursuing further education. Allowing for
creative use of technology in the classroom allows for balance and diversification to meet the
needs of different kinds of learners.
I participate in mentoring programs and hope to continue in this role. I see a need for
mentors to help students navigate the waters of the information sea on the internet. “Sensemaking and the ability to assess the credibility of information are paramount” (Johnson, Adams,
& Haywood, The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition, 2011, p. 4) and because of this,
“mentoring and preparing students for the world in which they will live is again at the forefront”
(Johnson, Adams, & Haywood, The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition, 2011, p. 4).
Helping to create balanced, well-rounded students with a good dose of common sense is the role
of a mentor.
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By participating in this program, I have been able to fulfill my desire to become more upto-date in my technology knowledge. I see the classroom of the future as one where students
learn wherever and whenever they want. This is something my laptop and I have experienced. I
agree with the Horizon Report when it says the mobile students often believe that faster is better
(Johnson, Adams, & Haywood, The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition, 2011).
I plan to take advantage of the open content available on the internet for my students as I
move back into the education field. What a wonderful way to motivate students! Learning in
depth about topics of great interest allows students to pursue their dreams and test out new ideas
for their future.
Personal Musings
The Lamar Academic Partnerships Master’s in Educational Technology Leadership
degree has been a huge challenge for me. I started this program hoping to gain employment in
the spring of 2012 at a nearby community college prior to having three children in college at
once. Since beginning this degree, my husband has taken a new job, the kids and I are moving
next week and we will start over in a new town. I am sure there will be other opportunities for
me in this new location, but I have some family obligations to tend to first. My youngest son
needs extension orthopedic surgery in the spring, so that will come first.
One thing I have learned about myself is that I do not like sitting for long time periods. I
had not spent as much time in front of the computer before beginning this online degree. I am not
sure that I might just need an adjustment in my glasses prescription as well. My children have
appreciated seeing me work hard for this degree and have also been inconvenienced at times
when I could not give them my full attention. I have found the concept of “’just in time’ training,
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which provides educators with information they need just as they need it” (Solomon & Schrum,
2007, p. 103) as very applicable to parenting as well.
I now know that I do like to know upfront all the parameters of what is asked of me in an
assignment. I really do not like to find out later I have to change this or that for a new grading
rubric. I realize some assignments evolve over time. Nevertheless, being that I like things to clear
from the start, this kind of product is a challenge for my personality.
In my internship activities, since I was not a school employee, I really had a hard time not
feeling like I was imposing on people to fulfill my internship activities. What I found was that
teachers and the classroom instructional technologists were very helpful to me. They enjoyed the
break in routine to help me out. They emailed me opportunities and invited me to meetings and
trainings. I tried to get to as many as possible.
Technology and Leadership Skills
My technology skills have greatly improved since I began this program. Some of the
personal accomplishments are to set up a whole house internet filtering system and a Wi-Fi
network in our home. I have appreciated being able to create a wiki and blog as I know these
skills will transfer into other life categories as well especially in volunteering. Blogging for my
coursework made and easy way for me to present my assignments, and well as participate in “an
important method of communication within the educational technology community” (Solomon &
Schrum, 2007, p. 56).
My internship activities have shown me that I really like to mentor women younger than
myself. I also believe I can synthesize the talks I did on social networking and internet safety and
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transfer that to different groups. During the first six months of this degree, I was finishing a twoyear term as treasurer for a political action committee. Although I find that counting money is
somewhat stressful for me, I do enjoy participating in political events and campaigning. I can see
myself running a candidate’s campaign in the future with the latest technology advances to get
their message out.
My Favorite Six Lamar Courses
EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology
One of my favorite classes during my Lamar Academic Partnerships Master’s Program is
Teaching with Technology. The two textbooks required for this class, Web 2.0: New Tools, New
Schools and Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works, were excellent. The
ideas and information presented in them will cause me to use them as resources for years to
come. I also appreciated the collaborative project of creating a group wiki on an educational
topic using the theories of the Universal Design for Learning. This project helped me to
understand the enormous potential using technology to meet the needs of diverse learners. And
as stated in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, “applied effectively,
technology implementation not only increases student learning, understanding and achievement
but also augments motivation to learn…” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 3).
EDLD 5366 Digital Graphics, Animation, and Desktop Publishing
Practical and beneficial is my description of the class Digital Graphics, Animation, and
Desktop Publishing. Honestly, I love all things practical and functional. This class gave me skills
that transfer into so many areas of my life. The contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity
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principles were all new to me. However, they are beneficial to me when I create all my holiday
greetings and family mementos. Learning how to make an effective newsletter will help me in
my various volunteer capacities.
I enjoyed making a personal logo as well. The concepts of branding that would be
important to teach are four steps outlined in Marshall Goldsmith’s article Authentic Personal
Branding. First, thinking about what your life’s mission or purpose is and defining it is a
reflective exercise in which we all should participate. Second, after coming up with our purpose,
this choice should direct our decisions and behaviors. Third, implementing our life’s purpose
through our brand in small manageable steps is important in meeting goals. Fourth, Marshall
says to “create and maintain your brand effectively” (Goldsmith, 2009, section 6). I think this
also means to consider that life will change and your brand will change with you. I have
transitioned from student to worker to parent and back to student again! I expect my personal
logo to evolve with time.
EDLD 5306 Concepts of Educational Technology
My enjoyment in the class Concepts of Educational Technology came from the newness
of the entire topic to me. I began this degree in 1987 and had put my master’s degree on the back
burner for many years. This was my first introduction to all that this degree now entails and so
much has changed! I can remember writing simple code for creating yes/no responses to student
questions in the 1980s. We are way past that now. I found the ideas presented about digital
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immigrants and digital natives very interesting. These ideas helped me to understand the overall
picture of how technology plays its part in education today. This class also introduced me to the
leading authors in this field – Richardson, Prensky, and Warlick. This helped me to keep alert
when I saw their articles in the future. Moreover, these articles helped me to understand “today’s
students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach” (Prensky, 2001,
p. 1). It was in this class that I also introduced to Dr. Kay Abernathy and her bubbly and helpful
personality.
EDLD 5326 School Community Relations
I really appreciated the concepts taught in the School Community Relations. I did not
have any idea that parent involvement was part of the No Child Left Behind law. I had always
assumed that schools just appreciated and understood the need for parents to be involved in the
education of their children. As well, I believed sight-based decision-making teams were common
sense. Therefore, the entire “it is required” was shocking in a way. “Such involvement is valued
as a means to generate both needed resources to support school improvement efforts and
students’ learning, as well as community support for educational expenditures and school
referendums” (Sanders & Lewis, 2005, p. 1). It was also interesting on the discussion board to
see what each colleague’s school did to meet these requirements.
EDLD 5363 Multimedia and Video Technology
This class was super difficult for me, but so much fun. I learned many new skills –
creating podcasts and Photo Stories, creating a Public Service announcement that required video
and script editing, and learning about open-source software. My technology learning curve went
straight up in this class. I also got to know my cohort friends better and enjoyed making the PSA
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project together. What I also enjoyed about this class was the high level of collaboration. As
Randy Nelson said in the Edutopia video, this is the “new model for the workplace” (Nelson,
2008).
EDLD 5362 Information Systems
Another Lamar class that really interested me was Information Systems. This course,
taught by Dr. Sheryl Abshire, covered fascinating topics such as parent portals for access to
student data and the concept of the sustainable classroom. We had the chance during this course
to visualize and describe the model classroom of the future with all the technology included.
Many in my cohort had different ideas about what this model would entail. Especially when you
consider the different amounts of collaboration expected from the students in different topics.
According to the Educational Technology Support Center (ETSC), “the recommended
equipment for a Sustainable Classroom includes one Internet accessible computer and one each
of the following technologies: LCD projector; document camera; interactive whiteboard, panel or
wireless tablet; wireless response system and classroom audio system” (Tschirgi, n.d., section
What is Recommended). I enjoy both learning what is the “pie in the sky” technology for an
interactive classroom, and what is the best technology to have to meet a basic level of need.
Future Plans
Since I just moved last week to a new home in a new city, my future plans are changing.
First, I need to find out what is available in the Pearland area for my goals. I would like to teach
at the community college level or even work as an adminstrative assistant on a college campus. I
will look into both as there is a univeristy one mile away and a community college two miles
away. I also plan to continue to look for online professional development opportunities either
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through the Texas Virtual Network, Thinkfinity or other online tutorials. I also plan to read
books and articles to stay abreast of the emerging technologies in education. One on my list is
the book Motivation by Daniel Pink.
Gratitude
I cannot end this paper with out first giving thanks to those that helped me get through
this program. My husband, John, who when I got discouraged and started thinking I should skip
a class, told me to keep going and push through to the end. I am thankful for my seven children,
who all played a role in this adventure for me. Patrick, Joshua, Joseph, and Matthew were guinea
pigs for my internship, Grace critiqued my writings, and Daniel and Andrew cheered me on. I
would not be at this point without their support.
Also, I must extend thanks to my wonderful cohort lady friends. They were assessible on
Skype at all hours to answer questions and remind me of things to do. I enjoyed getting to know
them as we collaborated on projects. They shared great wisdom with me and a ton of humor.
They became my extended family.
Finally, many thanks to Dr. Kay Abernathy, Dr. Mason, Dr. Abshire, and Dr. Jenkins,
whose courses I enjoyed. Dr. Abernathy always stated, “we are here for you”, and she meant it. I
appreciated in particular her cheerful presence in the web conferences. Godspeed to all of you.
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References
Goldsmith, M. (2009, September 29). Authentic Personal Branding. Retrieved November 13,
2010, from Businessweek:
http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/sep2009/ca20090929_228578.htm
Johnson, L., Adams, S., & Haywood, K. (2011). The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition.
Austin: The New Media Consortium.
Johnson, L., Smith, R., Levine, A., & Haywood, K. (2010). 2010 Horizon report: k-12 edition.
Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.
Kelly, J. P. (2011, May 7). Superintendent. (J. Kelly, Interviewer)
Edutopia (Producer). (2008). Learning and working in a collaborative age: A new model for the
workplace [Motion Picture].
Pink, D. (2006). A whole new mind: Why rightbrainers will rule the world. New York, NY:
Riverhead Trade (Paperbacks).
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development.
Prensky, M. (2001, Sept/Oct). Digital natives, digital immigrants part 1. On the Horizon , 2-6.
Sanders, M., & Lewis, K. (2005). Building bridges toward excellence: Community involvement
in high schools. The High School Journal, 88(3) , 1.
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: new tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: International
Society for Technology in Education.
Tschirgi, D. (n.d.). What is the Sustainable Classroom? Retrieved Oct 31, 2011, from
Educational Service District 112: http://www.esd112.org/edtech/sustainableclass.cfm
Running Head: COMPREHENSIVE FINAL TECH LEADERSHIP
Appendix A
Janet K. Kelly
Pearland, TX 77581
830-446-1343
jkelly@my.lamar.edu, texasmadre@gmail.com
EDUCATION
2010 and currently
Lamar University, Academic Partnerships, Beaumont, Texas
Masters in Educational Technology and Leadership
Expected completion 2011
1987
Began work on a Masters in Educational Technology
1982-1986
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry
CERTIFICATION
1987 Secondary Science Composite Life
2000 Pediatric Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
EMPLOYMENT
1988-1991
Presbyterian Pan American High School, Kingsville, Texas
Biology and Computer Applications teacher
1987
H.M. King High School, Kingsville, Texas
Biology Teacher
1982-1983
Camp Mystic for Girls, Hunt, Texas
Horseback riding instructor and cabin counselor
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
August 2011
Joined Thinkfinity Community Group
Participated in an online course on social networking
July 16, 2011
Attended a TX-VSN Professional Development Webinar
June, July and August 2011
Participated in FBC Mentoring program as a mentor
January 14, 2011
Attended Boerne ISD training for Google Apps and Universal Streaming
September 24, 2010
TASA/TASB Annual Conference, Houston, Texas
Attended lectures on Digital Communications, the Visioning Institute, Mastering Stakeholder
relations, and a lecture by author Daniel Pink
May 20, 2010
Webinar: Unleash the Power of Student Engagement with Mobile Technologies
Sponsored by Blackboard, Hosted by the Chronicles of Higher Education
April 28, 2010
Cisco Virtual Forum for Education Leaders
Sponsored by Cisco, Hosted by the Chronicles of Higher Education
2000-2009
TASA/TASB Midwinter conferences, alternating between Dallas and Houston
Attended numerous training sessions for school administrators and school board members as a
guest.
Attended sessions hosted by Alan November, Daniel Pink and many others.
CIVIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
1998-now
First Baptist Church, Boerne, Texas
AWANA leader – 6 years
Local Missions Committee – 2 years
Mom mentoring program (Apples of Gold) – 2 years
2008-now
Kendall County Republican Women
PAC Treasurer - file ethics reports, pay sales tax, and keep membership lists
Running Head: COMPREHENSIVE FINAL TECH LEADERSHIP
1998-now
Moms-in-touch group, Boerne, Texas
Participant and host
2002-2010 Community Angel Tree Project, Boerne, Texas
Organized Christmas toy drive for underprivileged students in the Boerne ISD
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