Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
National Education Technology Plan
Wow! I first must applaud the team of researchers who developed the National Educational Technology Plan(NETP). There is time, work, dedication, and passion put into this plan. For it captured every aspect that we as educators need to know about technology in the schools. I must say I agree with the plan and the goals set for students and teachers throughout the plan.
The foundation of the plan was built on the principles of future vision, leadership, collaboration, capacity building, and sustainability. To break it down in a more simple form, technology is used to "improve student achievement, to build partnership, to develop leaders, and to provide opportunity for innovation and flexibility." This is a document with a future vision to transform education. The plan view technology as being a motivation to students. It engages the learner more than traditional book work and keeps their attention. This is important because now we have the ability to reach out to more students than ever before.
On the other hand, my main concern is, will technology weaken the student? Students today, myself included rely on computer programs and other tools to correct mistakes, whereas in older days, we had to manually spell check, add, subtract, etc.... Thats why I feel as educators, we must not loose the traditional approach to teaching. It is imperative that our students learn the basics and foundamentals beforw technology is used in a lesson. I strongly agree with the technology plan; however, I would definitely provide training and workshops to the teachers on the importance of teaching students fundamentals. Basically, don't let technology enable the student from learning.
The foundation of the plan was built on the principles of future vision, leadership, collaboration, capacity building, and sustainability. To break it down in a more simple form, technology is used to "improve student achievement, to build partnership, to develop leaders, and to provide opportunity for innovation and flexibility." This is a document with a future vision to transform education. The plan view technology as being a motivation to students. It engages the learner more than traditional book work and keeps their attention. This is important because now we have the ability to reach out to more students than ever before.
On the other hand, my main concern is, will technology weaken the student? Students today, myself included rely on computer programs and other tools to correct mistakes, whereas in older days, we had to manually spell check, add, subtract, etc.... Thats why I feel as educators, we must not loose the traditional approach to teaching. It is imperative that our students learn the basics and foundamentals beforw technology is used in a lesson. I strongly agree with the technology plan; however, I would definitely provide training and workshops to the teachers on the importance of teaching students fundamentals. Basically, don't let technology enable the student from learning.
School District Technology Plan
My school district has a extensive 34 page Technology Plan. It entails goals, resources and strategies set by members of the district. The overall goal of the district is to be ranked "Target Tech" and increasing yearly percentage in every category set by the state.
"Teaching & Learning" is the first of the Key Areas. The goal is for the teacher to serve as a facilitator, mentor, and co-learner. Furthermore, the goal is for all technology applications, TEKS to be met. The teachers, administrator, and students have access to Internet and computers. As of now, every classroom is technology equipped. Professional Development workshops are offered throughout the school year to ensure teachers are familiar and up to date with the latest technological innovations.
Secondly, "Educator Preparation" is another Key Area. The goal is for an integration of technology in teaching and learning to be present. Currently usage of online resources are used regularly. The administrators recognize and identify exemplary technology. Workshops are offered and assessments are giving to check teachers and administrators preparation.
Next, "Administration and Support." The school district currently have a team on site for all technology questions, concerns, and problems. This includes a full time technology director and support staff. They are there to assist students, teachers, parents, and administrators. They also come up with district wide technology plans that are focused on the success of each student.
Lastly, the root of the technology plan is "Infrastructure." The district has on demand access for every student, direct connectivity available in all rooms and web-based resources in multiple rooms. All classrooms are fully equipped with appropriate technology. Constant research is being done to upgrade equipment as necessary.
Overall the district's technology goals have been met and are in the process of being met. Since the school district has about 79.6% students who are economically challenged state funds are allotted for technology innovations. Assessments are done by the technology team which enable the school district to continue to monitor the progress towards goals.
"Teaching & Learning" is the first of the Key Areas. The goal is for the teacher to serve as a facilitator, mentor, and co-learner. Furthermore, the goal is for all technology applications, TEKS to be met. The teachers, administrator, and students have access to Internet and computers. As of now, every classroom is technology equipped. Professional Development workshops are offered throughout the school year to ensure teachers are familiar and up to date with the latest technological innovations.
Secondly, "Educator Preparation" is another Key Area. The goal is for an integration of technology in teaching and learning to be present. Currently usage of online resources are used regularly. The administrators recognize and identify exemplary technology. Workshops are offered and assessments are giving to check teachers and administrators preparation.
Next, "Administration and Support." The school district currently have a team on site for all technology questions, concerns, and problems. This includes a full time technology director and support staff. They are there to assist students, teachers, parents, and administrators. They also come up with district wide technology plans that are focused on the success of each student.
Lastly, the root of the technology plan is "Infrastructure." The district has on demand access for every student, direct connectivity available in all rooms and web-based resources in multiple rooms. All classrooms are fully equipped with appropriate technology. Constant research is being done to upgrade equipment as necessary.
Overall the district's technology goals have been met and are in the process of being met. Since the school district has about 79.6% students who are economically challenged state funds are allotted for technology innovations. Assessments are done by the technology team which enable the school district to continue to monitor the progress towards goals.
Monday, July 19, 2010
"Value of Accessing"
In today's world of education, technology is widely used among teachers, administrators, parents and students. It is even incorporated into the TEKS curriculum, which is used at all Texas public schools. As a result, many assessments have been done and are in the process of being done on educators' technology leadership knowledge. Assessments are also being done to check student's technology skill levels. With assessment being done for something of this importance, the question arises, what is the value of assessments?
In my opinion, it is a simple answer, to help us improve what we do. An article released by Educause Center for Applied Research stated, "Assessment comes from Assidere, meaning to sit beside." It went on to explain how when someone sits beside you, that person become your partner and can work with you. That person can give their opinion and both parties can collectively work together towards improvement. Assessments points out areas of improvements. This is necessary to make sure everyone understands the foundations, before anything new is added. Furthermore, when giving students assessments, it allows the teacher to see what area needs to be more emphasized. Like I stated earlier, there is a level of proficiency for student technology comprehension that is expected by the State of Texas. These assessments are a good ways to measure student efficiency.
While I believe that assessments are vital, there is one con that comes across my mind which is accuracy. During week one of my Educational Technology Leadership course, a lot of technology assessments were done. They were all survey based. I answered truthfully, but a student who does not care may not do the same. There is no way of testing accuracy on assessments. Therefore, information being addresses may not be necessary or vice verse.
In my opinion, it is a simple answer, to help us improve what we do. An article released by Educause Center for Applied Research stated, "Assessment comes from Assidere, meaning to sit beside." It went on to explain how when someone sits beside you, that person become your partner and can work with you. That person can give their opinion and both parties can collectively work together towards improvement. Assessments points out areas of improvements. This is necessary to make sure everyone understands the foundations, before anything new is added. Furthermore, when giving students assessments, it allows the teacher to see what area needs to be more emphasized. Like I stated earlier, there is a level of proficiency for student technology comprehension that is expected by the State of Texas. These assessments are a good ways to measure student efficiency.
While I believe that assessments are vital, there is one con that comes across my mind which is accuracy. During week one of my Educational Technology Leadership course, a lot of technology assessments were done. They were all survey based. I answered truthfully, but a student who does not care may not do the same. There is no way of testing accuracy on assessments. Therefore, information being addresses may not be necessary or vice verse.
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