I will truly miss this course. It has been both challenging and rewarding. I definitely learned a lot. As I compiled my final project, I found myself reflecting on each of the modules. It has definitely been a journey of discovery. To think that when I started the course, I was grappling with the definition of Enterprise Architecture and its application in education. Although EA methodology draws upon previous concepts I had heard of, it definitely changed the way I look at my school site and the district. Like an architect, I feel like I am part of the design and have a desire to see the plan succeed. Through a closer look at site and district architectures, I gained a much better understanding of why it is important to have an EA plan that is aligned with the vision and goals of the enterprise, and the importance of effectively communicating with stakeholders. Another discovery was the importance of creating an inventory of applications and criteria for when applications need to be update or eliminated, and at what point an entire overhaul becomes necessary. Finally, one of my favorite assignments in the course was designing a technology brick. This was both unique and fun.
Discoveries:
1. EA changed the way at look at education and my role in it. I now see both my school site and the district differently. A much broader view of how everything fits together.
2. A better understanding of why it is important to have an EA plan that is aligned with the goals of the enterprise.
3. The importance of effective communication and transparency.
4. An inventory of applications and criteria matter.
5. It’s fun to build a brick.
As an educator, I plan to use some of the EA processes I learned in my instructional practices. For example, the brick process can be used to determine which instructional practices are no longer working and which strategies might be better to deploy. As an educational technology leader, the EA course has changed the way I view the importance of planning for the future and that it is even more important to communicate effectively and efficiently, and to include stakeholders in the decision-making process.
Discoveries:
1. EA changed the way at look at education and my role in it. I now see both my school site and the district differently. A much broader view of how everything fits together.
2. A better understanding of why it is important to have an EA plan that is aligned with the goals of the enterprise.
3. The importance of effective communication and transparency.
4. An inventory of applications and criteria matter.
5. It’s fun to build a brick.
As an educator, I plan to use some of the EA processes I learned in my instructional practices. For example, the brick process can be used to determine which instructional practices are no longer working and which strategies might be better to deploy. As an educational technology leader, the EA course has changed the way I view the importance of planning for the future and that it is even more important to communicate effectively and efficiently, and to include stakeholders in the decision-making process.