The mock grant proposal assignment improved my knowledge by proving far more complex than anticipated. Organizational change can be pretty rewarding; however, the process can feel quite daunting. Considering that much larger projects and grant proposals are in the works for change, I can only imagine the focus, attention, and time that goes into their creation. Leadership becomes tricky because there needs to be a passion behind the approach while maintaining an understanding that one person can only do so much. Sometimes, taking charge means relinquishing control and allowing others to implement their strengths. Project management is less about delegation and more about allowing self-delegation to come about organically. People are typically more willing and excited to complete obligatory tasks if they have autonomy over their roles and responsibilities.
This assignment made me proudest because I felt it was well-rounded, thoughtful, and inclusive. Before this assignment, I had only experienced digital citizenship from a student's perspective. This assignment provided deeper comprehension through curating activities and lesson plans designed to educate students on what is required. Being taught about digital citizenship differs significantly from being responsible for teaching others in detail. Creating this unit pushed me to improve and strengthen my ability to effectively model and facilitate technology-enhanced learning by showing the students, through experience, what a privilege it is to have technological resources available to us. In addition, using technology as a tool is a window to the rest of the world. It is enriching to show students how appropriate technology can expand their knowledge and understanding of cultures worldwide.
I connected most meaningfully with the ISTE Standard 2.3 Citizen, “Educators inspire students to positively contribute to and responsibly participate in the digital world.” and ISTE Standard 2.5 Designer, “Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize and accommodate learner variability.” These two standards, in particular, carry a very meaningful purpose. Standard 2.3 is possibly the most important as it teaches students how to use technology appropriately and avoid conducting themselves in s a way with detrimental repercussions. I think it is learning the rules of a society but in a technological interaction capacity. From the time we are born, we learn how to walk, talk, eat, have manners, not be rude, obey the rules, and eventually obey the law. Regarding technology and the online forum, it resembles the wild wild west in terms of coming into existence prior to having parameters, rules, and regulations placed upon it. For these reasons, educators must be diligent in playing catch-up to protect ourselves, our students, and the friends or strangers they interact with online. Demonstrating the endless possibilities the internet can provide by designing inspirational lessons and activities within the borders of proper global citizenship can be the jumping-off point for a lifetime of learning, exploring, and opportunistic educational and technological adventure.