Technology+Initiative

Technology Initiative - EDT 6040 SEA

**__Description__** //"﻿The possibilities resulting from the successful integration of technology are limitless. Almost every component of a profession, especially education, can be enhanced with the positive implementation of an initiative that is technology-based. Numerous strategies and resources continue to be developed to address various needs within a setting and improve and enhance the overall learning environment. The project for this course is to address a specific need within a setting by creating a strategic plan to address those needs using technology as the foundation, while integrating the knowledge acquired through completed coursework. The project is to have real-life implications and be creative with the intention of presenting to an administrator or board for approval."// //(SEA description taken from course syllabus) //

**__Process__﻿**

//Being the math guy that I am, it was clear that choosing an initiative that is directly applicable to that subject was the way to go. From there, things were to fall into place. We had to pick an initiative that interested us, anything under the sun that was technology-related, then research it in a grant-type proposal to our school board (or whomever the powers may be). There were 8 major aspects of professional quality to be included in the portfolio, an APA bibliography, and a final reflection (found here and on my GoogleSites page). // //﻿Following the completion of this assignment, we were then designated to give a five-slide, fifteen-minute presentation to our peers about our initiative. This brief presentation was designated to inform the others in our class as to the nature of our grant. // //﻿﻿// //﻿﻿﻿There was a lot of information to filter through out there, much of it in favor of technology with few dissenting opinions. In a general sense, the good outweighed the bad. However, what was more difficult was trying to find data that supported TI-Navigator systems in a specific sense, rather than just drawing from studies that basically say, "Technology is good!"//

**__Reflection__**

//I understand why this was the culminating project of this program. It was perhaps the most in-depth study of educational technology I have done during this masters, let alone the rest of my life. Not only that, but I have gained a deep respect for people that right grants, especially those that need to consistently write them in order to get anything for what they do. It was most definitely an arduous task that required a lot of fine-reading and research, page after page, even, in order to find the needles in the haystack that would heavily support my initiative. More than that, it was surprisingly difficult to find specific research that refuted the positive impact TI-Navigator systems can have.// //However, at the same time, completing that initiative gave me a strong sense of success. It was a difficult task, but it was achievable. The final product, something I am profoundly proud of. Furthermore, it made something like this seem completely possible in the future when another new technology comes out that I believe will be in the best interest of my school to get. It was a tough project, I will give it that, but I also see the necessity for future application, especially from a Masters-class point of view.// **__Link__** My Technology Initiative: The TI-Navigator System