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!