Texas S Ta R Chart
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Reflection on Texas Long Range Plan for Technology
The Texas Long Range Plan for Technology is a wonderful way for the state to monitor district and school progress on their use of technology. The plan is divided into four areas; Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology. In my opinion, teaching and learning are the main reason this plan is in place. Educators need to realize the impact we have on the student's future. Therefore, it is our responsibility to be the teacher, but more importantly to be a learner. We need to go learn patterns of use in the classroom, design for instructional settings, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for technology, how to help students master these skills, and online learning. These six areas in the plan give us a direction to learn and grow. All of these concepts are important, but teachers cannot learn without the proper training. Our campus has a long way to go before we qualify for the Advanced Tech rating. We currently have an every other week computer lab rotation. The upper grades spend 45 minutes in the lab, but the younger students split their time due to shorter attention spans. While the computer lab is a wonderful resource, 45 minutes every other week is just not enough time for the students to master computer skills necessary for the current demands. The teachers have the option to bring the students on their own during the off weeks, but not all of them do. If the teachers do not emphasize technology importance the students are not able to make a connection to the personal need in the real world. Learning how to do research, use online functions, and the Internet are all vital skills our students need to know to function in the real world. My recommendation for our school and district would be to place more computers in the individual classrooms, train the teachers, and increase programs available to the students. Educator Preparation and Development are also crucial for the teachers. Our campus earned the Developing Tech rating in this area. Our district does not offer very many technology trainings. If they do train the teachers on a new program, it is a one time event. Then, the teachers are expected to return to campus to figure out the rest of the program. It would be beneficial to utilize our technology instructor to provide the teachers with support. I have worked on campuses that had a technology specialist to provide support to the teachers. Our technology teacher will answer your questions and is very helpful, but she has her own class to worry about and doesn't always have time. I believe if the teachers were offered quality professional development they would deepen their understanding and face many fears they may have about technology. Technology usage begins at the top. If our administrators and leadership utilize technology it sets an example for all other employees. It also forces employees to use email, Microsoft outlook calendars, palm pilots, etc. The biggest issue our district struggles with is the budget and planning. For example, we have a program called eSchool and eFinance. These programs are about five years old. They are to be updated every two years. Our district has refused to budget enough money for these updates and the programs are on the verge of shutting down. The district needs to communicate and collaborate to come up with a better plan to make our technology resources better. Finally, our highest scores were under Infrastructure for Technology. The report states that we have proficient Internet access connectivity speed, technical support, and local area network wide area network. It does state that we need to work on student to computer ratio. I know they have a plan to implement more computers in the classroom. However, many items have been placed on hold due to budgetary concerns. The computer Internet access speed is okay, but can be slow at times. During the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the Internet is particularly slow. This is due to the mass amount of usage during this time and not having enough band width to support the large amount of users. The district just agreed to pay the money for the band width, so I hope to see some improvement in the future. Our technical support is wonderful! We have an online maintenance request system if we need help. A computer technician is assigned to our campus and is there a couple of times per week to fill our request. He is great about helping in a timely manner. I like the online submission process because the teachers are able to make a request without having to go through several people before receiving assistance. Our district has far to go to become an Advanced Tech rating. However, the district does want to improve and has plans to grow. Once the budget is settled, we might be able to proceed with our plans.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Technology Applications for TEKS
The Pre-K layout for the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) was user friendly and easy for me to follow. I really liked how examples of instructional strategies are given for each standard of the TEKS. I can imagine this is really helpful for the Pre-K teachers. The programs are very basic,hands on, and teacher directed which helps to ensure mastery of each skill. By providing this type of support the student will enter Kindergarten with the appropriate level of technological information to progress onto the next task. Building a strong foundation in Pre-K allows the students an opportunity to succeed in technology in the future.
A spiraling curriculum gives students a chance to come back to a skill they may or may not have mastered. Some TEKS, especially in Science, are only taught in some grade levels and never taught again. A spiraling curriculum allows for multiple opportunities to prove mastery. It also provides time for students to go back and practice skills and sharpen their thinking. For example, students are given opportunities to become proficient using a keyboard from Kindergarten through eighth grade. Providing ample time to masters skills will benefit the students over time.
A spiraling curriculum gives students a chance to come back to a skill they may or may not have mastered. Some TEKS, especially in Science, are only taught in some grade levels and never taught again. A spiraling curriculum allows for multiple opportunities to prove mastery. It also provides time for students to go back and practice skills and sharpen their thinking. For example, students are given opportunities to become proficient using a keyboard from Kindergarten through eighth grade. Providing ample time to masters skills will benefit the students over time.
Long Range Plan for Technology
All students beginning in Kindergarten must master and prove to be technology proficient by acquiring information, solving problems, and communicating using technology. In order for the students to receive the maximum benefits of instruction from the teachers, the teachers must receive proper professional development to increase their technological knowledge. Another key component to providing the necessary resources is allocating enough money to cover the needs of a district. This plan is to be implemented over time in phases. Phase 1 (2006-2010) calls for ensuring alignment of the curriculum content standards, providing and increasing access to the resources needed to implement the plan, providing opportunities for teachers to implement the standards along with support, and to allocate $50 towards each student to improve the plan. Phase 2 and 3 will address the needs based upon Phase 1.
The components of this program involve the learners, educators, leaders, and infrastructure. Our nation has given us a reason to change the way we educate our students. Our economy calls for a much more information based society verses an industrial and manufacturing society. The corporate world is not able to keep up with the demands of our technological way of thinking unless they have properly trained individuals. Across the pond in other countries there are students dying to land a job in America. Therefore, our students need to have the opportunity to compete in the business market today and in the future. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure they have the same opportunities. This means we must advance our own technological knowledge for their benefit. Another challenge we face is our ever changing population. Over half of our population is economically disadvantaged. This creates an even bigger need for educating our students at school about technology because they are not receiving it at home. Many of our worldly functions require knowledge of computerized systems such as self checkouts, online banking, and online bill paying. All of this must be taken into consideration when educating our students. Technology allows educators to reach diverse groups of students and their different learning styles. It is pertinent to meet the needs of all students and not teach to one style of learning. According to Net Day Speak Up 2005 there is a strong need for technology in our schools. All teachers use technology to some degree in their classrooms. They have reported seeing a change in student achievement, student engagement,collaboration and teamwork. These are all critical aspects of the classroom. Our way of communicating is via email. Therefore, this has forced many teachers to engage in some form of technology usage. Most teachers also like to enhance lessons by adding more information. They do this by searching the internet, using search engines, and news websites. Many teachers are also expected to communicate with the parents via email, class websites, and newsletters. All of these functions require technology usage and make our jobs easier! The biggest need above all is to have high speed wireless internet. This is critical for the teachers to have when trying to teach the kids a lesson using the internet. If the internet takes a long to pull up than the actual lesson, it defeats the purpose because the students become disinterested. Teachers are willing to learn about new technology resources. However, they need the time and the resources. A large portion of teaching and learning is to ensure that ALL students have equal access to the resources for technology. In addition, our diverse population calls for many different needs that we must provide for every student and each of their needs. By providing technology resources relevant to student learning it allows the students to communicate on a whole new level. The idea of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology is that the students become more involved in the learning process and are active participants. In doing this the student makes a connection with applications in their own lives. Technology also requires collaborative approach to learning. The biggest challenge for teaching and learning is aligning the curriculum so that it is integrated into other subjects. The Long Range Plan gives recommendations to the Texas Education Agency, State Board of Education Certification, Regional Service Centers, Local Education Agencies, Texas Higher Education, Parents, Communities and Private Sector.
It is pertinent our teachers understand how to incorporate technology into the classroom as part of their instruction. The teachers need to be properly trained to ensure mastery of this concept. However, the teachers need to be willing to learn and take on the initiative to gain a deeper understanding. The teachers graduating today are prepared to take on the technology demands expected in the classroom setting. However, our professional development sessions need to be relevant to the latest technology applications. Again several recommendations are made to the various stakeholders for the Long Range Technology Plan. The need for technology starts at the top with the administration. There are so many tasks in administrator’s daily routines that require proficient knowledge of technology functions. If an administrator is technology savvy, then their staff will take a higher interest in learning how to use the technology. It is important principals lead by example to support the Long Range Technology Plan. Choosing a technology leadership team would be beneficial for implementing new programs as these individuals can help their teammates jump on board the school’s vision, No Child Left Behind Laws, and Federal Communications for E-rate discounts. These laws require schools to keep student records electronically, electronic instructional materials, and personnel records.
Data is a HUGE reason administrators need to know more about technology. The current best practice is data driven instruction. Most if not all of the data is computer based. This data should drive all instructional practices. The internet has allowed districts and schools to make huge gains in the world of technology. The plan calls for high speed internet to connect employees efficiently with one another. The idea is to have anytime anywhere connectivity for the students. This plan will allow all stakeholders to play a role in the student’s education by giving them access to student assessment results. Sadly, many districts have not reached this point due to budgetary issues. However, most schools have the basic resources. As long as they are maintained and updated they should serve their purpose. To hold schools accountable the Educational Technology Advisory Committee (ETAC) has developed and accountability system called a School Technology and Readiness (STaR) chart. This chart measures each school and district’s progress in implementing technology and meeting the technology goals. The Long Range Plan is guiding districts and schools across the nation to practice technolgy at a higher level than we ever have before
The components of this program involve the learners, educators, leaders, and infrastructure. Our nation has given us a reason to change the way we educate our students. Our economy calls for a much more information based society verses an industrial and manufacturing society. The corporate world is not able to keep up with the demands of our technological way of thinking unless they have properly trained individuals. Across the pond in other countries there are students dying to land a job in America. Therefore, our students need to have the opportunity to compete in the business market today and in the future. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure they have the same opportunities. This means we must advance our own technological knowledge for their benefit. Another challenge we face is our ever changing population. Over half of our population is economically disadvantaged. This creates an even bigger need for educating our students at school about technology because they are not receiving it at home. Many of our worldly functions require knowledge of computerized systems such as self checkouts, online banking, and online bill paying. All of this must be taken into consideration when educating our students. Technology allows educators to reach diverse groups of students and their different learning styles. It is pertinent to meet the needs of all students and not teach to one style of learning. According to Net Day Speak Up 2005 there is a strong need for technology in our schools. All teachers use technology to some degree in their classrooms. They have reported seeing a change in student achievement, student engagement,collaboration and teamwork. These are all critical aspects of the classroom. Our way of communicating is via email. Therefore, this has forced many teachers to engage in some form of technology usage. Most teachers also like to enhance lessons by adding more information. They do this by searching the internet, using search engines, and news websites. Many teachers are also expected to communicate with the parents via email, class websites, and newsletters. All of these functions require technology usage and make our jobs easier! The biggest need above all is to have high speed wireless internet. This is critical for the teachers to have when trying to teach the kids a lesson using the internet. If the internet takes a long to pull up than the actual lesson, it defeats the purpose because the students become disinterested. Teachers are willing to learn about new technology resources. However, they need the time and the resources. A large portion of teaching and learning is to ensure that ALL students have equal access to the resources for technology. In addition, our diverse population calls for many different needs that we must provide for every student and each of their needs. By providing technology resources relevant to student learning it allows the students to communicate on a whole new level. The idea of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology is that the students become more involved in the learning process and are active participants. In doing this the student makes a connection with applications in their own lives. Technology also requires collaborative approach to learning. The biggest challenge for teaching and learning is aligning the curriculum so that it is integrated into other subjects. The Long Range Plan gives recommendations to the Texas Education Agency, State Board of Education Certification, Regional Service Centers, Local Education Agencies, Texas Higher Education, Parents, Communities and Private Sector.
It is pertinent our teachers understand how to incorporate technology into the classroom as part of their instruction. The teachers need to be properly trained to ensure mastery of this concept. However, the teachers need to be willing to learn and take on the initiative to gain a deeper understanding. The teachers graduating today are prepared to take on the technology demands expected in the classroom setting. However, our professional development sessions need to be relevant to the latest technology applications. Again several recommendations are made to the various stakeholders for the Long Range Technology Plan. The need for technology starts at the top with the administration. There are so many tasks in administrator’s daily routines that require proficient knowledge of technology functions. If an administrator is technology savvy, then their staff will take a higher interest in learning how to use the technology. It is important principals lead by example to support the Long Range Technology Plan. Choosing a technology leadership team would be beneficial for implementing new programs as these individuals can help their teammates jump on board the school’s vision, No Child Left Behind Laws, and Federal Communications for E-rate discounts. These laws require schools to keep student records electronically, electronic instructional materials, and personnel records.
Data is a HUGE reason administrators need to know more about technology. The current best practice is data driven instruction. Most if not all of the data is computer based. This data should drive all instructional practices. The internet has allowed districts and schools to make huge gains in the world of technology. The plan calls for high speed internet to connect employees efficiently with one another. The idea is to have anytime anywhere connectivity for the students. This plan will allow all stakeholders to play a role in the student’s education by giving them access to student assessment results. Sadly, many districts have not reached this point due to budgetary issues. However, most schools have the basic resources. As long as they are maintained and updated they should serve their purpose. To hold schools accountable the Educational Technology Advisory Committee (ETAC) has developed and accountability system called a School Technology and Readiness (STaR) chart. This chart measures each school and district’s progress in implementing technology and meeting the technology goals. The Long Range Plan is guiding districts and schools across the nation to practice technolgy at a higher level than we ever have before
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Technology Assessments
The Technology Applications Inventory was an eye opening experience for me. It made me realize how little I know about technology. I feel proficient in my realm of work, but there is so much more I can learn. In the foundations domain I was about half and half for my understanding computer systems. The main areas I would like to know more about are memory and storage, digital file formats, and using a scanner and camera (my husband always loads our pictures). I felt more proficient in the information acquisition section. Thanks to my Lamar University research class I was able to answer yes more than no! I would like to understand how to use graphics at a higher level in order to make my lessons a lot more interesting and kid friendly. Our students respond to technology when we choose to use it. Solving problems with technology tools helped me understand I need to know more about computing data spreadsheet. As an administrator, I will need to utilize these software programs to input our campus data. I can communicate using email, Microsoft Outlook and Publisher, but I need to know more about audio and graphics. I really like those flip cameras that allow you to record and then plug it directly into the computer to download the material. I wish our district had the funds to support more technology usage.They are currently struggling to get the budget under control. Therefore, the technology in the classroom suffers. For example, we REALLY need for them to purchase another broadband width for the internet, but they do not want to allocate money for that as there are so many other necessary costs. I know at one time they were attempting to place 4-5 computers in every classroom starting at 12th grade and working down to the lower grade levels. As far as I know, there are no technology assessments done to track the progress of the student's achievement levels. So, for all the questions on the SETDA teacher survey asking about data indicating any type of student or teacher performance, I had to answer no. In my own classroom, I have 2 computers for my students to utilize. Therefore, they get to spend 30-40 minutes a week at the computer during classroom workstations. In addition, every other week they go to the computer lab for 20 minutes. They are in Kindergarten so 20 minutes is about all they can handle at this time. In taking this survey, I realized that the computer programs I use are the ones the district allows. I have never researched if these programs/sites are research based. I just assumed the district would only support researched based websites. My students use technology at the basic level. Therefore, they do not communicate with one another, create multi-media projects, or use peripheral devices. Even though we have the minimal technology tools, we are still expected to use what we have in our classrooms. A common practice amongst my team members is the United Streaming website. Often times, we will reinforce a lesson with an educational video. Our plan for technology is the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). However, our technology teacher usually handles these by teaching specific skills each week as we reinforce them in the classroom. There are so many technology tools available, but the ones that are specific to my field are kid friendly websites such as Starfall. Our technology instructor sends emails with links for the teachers to use to enhance their teaching. The eithical/ legal standards and fundamentals of technology are taught in the upper grades, but not at our level. Teachers in our district, often times, have to figure computer programs out on their own. Therefore, this requires us to lean on one another for support to learn from each other. Best practices and innovative programs are few and far between where I work. I have worked in districts that are on the up and up. I myself learned so much during my time in these districts. Our district is about 10 years behind other cutting edge districts. It really makes me sad. Although, I am not the most technology savvy person, I like having it available to learn and grow as an educator. I am able to use word processing, email, power point, and am able to do web searches, but need more knowledge in making spreadsheets, data analysis programs, multimedia tools, and graphic peripherals. Technology is an important part of our world today and our students need to understand this concept. Therefore, I try to use it as much as possible in my classroom. We use the computers and video streaming on a daily/weekly basis. The Lamar University program has provided me opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and learn how to use technology in a different way. Before I started my courses, I was a little nervous about the online setup and how it would work for me. It has been a pleasant surprise and I have learned a tremendous amount of knoweldge about the courses and technology. I have enjoyed communicating and collaborating with my peers while expanding my professional growth.
In our district the teachers only have adequate to non-existent access to the technology items listed on the T37 chart. When asked about outside access, I have excellent access at my home, but none of my tools are school property. The same goes for our students. If they have access to a computer and the internet, they can log on to the school/district website or teacher websites. Any of the computer programs used at school are not avialable to the students at home. This is particularly true for students with a low socio-economic status and racially or ethinically disadvantaged. These families are struggling to put food on the table that the computer and internet are not on the priority list. I have heard of districts donating old computers to low income families, but I have not heard of my school district doing this. As far as the other schools are concerned, I believe they have the same access to particular programs and equipment as we do. We are all expected to incoporate 21st century skills into our lessons. However, a lot of this goes on in the computer lab with the computer teacher. I believe teachers would be excited to use and implement new programs if they were avialable and support was provided. This year our district implemented an online lesson plan format that allows us to share plans and view them at any time. It was a rough start to learning how to use these programs, but we have all figured it out and can use it effectively. We are expected to use technology, but there is no reward or stipends for doing anything extra. Technology has opened huge doors for the world of communication. Schools and teachers need to jump on board and learn what they can to enhance the technology available to them. In order to do this, teachers need to be provided time to collaborate with one another and the technology specialist. Overall, these surveys provided me with the information I need to know to look into the future and begin to learn more, ask questions, and approach technology with bravery!
In our district the teachers only have adequate to non-existent access to the technology items listed on the T37 chart. When asked about outside access, I have excellent access at my home, but none of my tools are school property. The same goes for our students. If they have access to a computer and the internet, they can log on to the school/district website or teacher websites. Any of the computer programs used at school are not avialable to the students at home. This is particularly true for students with a low socio-economic status and racially or ethinically disadvantaged. These families are struggling to put food on the table that the computer and internet are not on the priority list. I have heard of districts donating old computers to low income families, but I have not heard of my school district doing this. As far as the other schools are concerned, I believe they have the same access to particular programs and equipment as we do. We are all expected to incoporate 21st century skills into our lessons. However, a lot of this goes on in the computer lab with the computer teacher. I believe teachers would be excited to use and implement new programs if they were avialable and support was provided. This year our district implemented an online lesson plan format that allows us to share plans and view them at any time. It was a rough start to learning how to use these programs, but we have all figured it out and can use it effectively. We are expected to use technology, but there is no reward or stipends for doing anything extra. Technology has opened huge doors for the world of communication. Schools and teachers need to jump on board and learn what they can to enhance the technology available to them. In order to do this, teachers need to be provided time to collaborate with one another and the technology specialist. Overall, these surveys provided me with the information I need to know to look into the future and begin to learn more, ask questions, and approach technology with bravery!
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