While reflecting on my experience in EDLD 5352 the Technology Link what I gained from the experience is not necessarily all I had expected. I had envisioned learning more about techniques and tools available for use as an administrator and how I could help my staff utilize more of the 21st century technology available. Throughout the course theories were discussed as well as a few tools. Instruction that describes and demonstrates uses of technology would have been of greater benefit.
The first week’s assignment objective of identifying and describing the Texas Long-Range Plan for technology was one of the more beneficial assignments in the process. Upon speaking with one of my campus administrators and one of our technology supervisors both knew of the emphasis on technology but neither seemed too familiar with this Texas Long-Range Plan. This was a little disconcerting to me since they are leaders for our district. I believe this to be a significant piece of knowledge for all administrators and it should be utilized by all district planning committees.
I would have liked more information on the various data sources and how to use these sources for our students. I believe that having more of the weekly readings focus on this area would have been beneficial. The course did provide me with a new knowledge and understanding of the technological needs of our 21st century students. As a future administrator I must be certain that we utilize the newest technology available in our curriculum and instruction. This must be provided to our students no matter their socioeconomic status, gender, or ethnicity. While I am still in the classroom I must continue to utilize as much technology as possible with the limited resources I have. I must also insist that our current administration continue to do as much as possible to provide adequate hands-on training for the teachers so we can utilize all the technology available. I personally must utilize technology to help my student’s learn more effectively.
I feel as though I was successful in carrying out the course objectives for week one and two. Identifying the standards for technology in Texas and learning more details about the STaR Chart proved to be both beneficial and informative. Studying the results of my district and campus STaR chart helped me to recognize where our teachers believe our district was three years ago and where they think we are today in regards to the technological train ride. Weeks three and four however, I felt less than successful. Watching the interviews between Dr. Jenkins, Mrs. Cummings, and Dr. Abernathy were insightful and informative, as were the articles for the week. However, I felt that they did not provide me with enough information to complete the given assignments. This could totally be due to my lack of understanding in this area and my lack of comprehension of the assignments. Another problem related to these two assignments was my district improvement plan. The only reference to technology was related to curriculum and instruction. I did not really find any emphasis on the Texas Long Range plan for technology. Much of the information I gather was through the DIP and interviews.
My greatest frustration was my lack of technology understanding and my inability to comprehend what our district’s goals were. From observing our class members’ work on the discussion board it appeared that many of theirs were elaborately done. Either they better utilized their district plans, or spent many more hours preparing their presentations and had a far greater grasp on technology than I do. I looked at other district sites on the internet but felt it would be inappropriate to copy for my assignment.
Most of my problems with this course came from poor understanding and a lack of time necessary to figure it out. It is an extremely important subject, one I need to make great improvements upon, but I did not have the time at the end of my semester to put in the extra hours it would have taken to utilize this class to the fullest. My recommendation would be put an easier subject at the end of the Public School term.
During the process I have gained a broader understanding of what technology is available. I learned new details about tools I had already heard about as well as information on tools I did not even know existed. I was aware of the importance of protecting our students from predators and the like, however, I had not really thought about his need for an ethics class in technology for our schools. In retrospect, it makes a lot of sense. As a leader I will be called upon to ensure the safety of my students and this is an issue I must take great concern over. It is my responsibility to ensure that my staff has the necessary technology tools and training to promote the best learning possible in the classroom. Boring lectures no longer cut it. A presenter must get in the middle of the group and demonstrate hands-on techniques. It is my duty to put my neck on the line for what I believe to be essential for the success of my teachers and students. This means I must be willing to speak up and be willing to step on toes. My attitude related to technology must be if it’s not working do whatever it takes to fix it. We need to spend the money it takes to do it right the first time.
Blogging could be one of the best tools for education. This could cut down on the paper trail between students and teachers. Instead of writing out an essay on paper, students could post it on their blog. Students and teachers could communicate at designated times in the evenings on their blogs. Multimedia projects could be posted and shared through the use of a blog. I have a student right now that hates writing out vocabulary; a blog would be an excellent tool for him. Blogging creates ethical issues just as written assignments do. Students could more easily copy and paste their work, but just as copied written assignments are discovered so could blogs. More importantly access to the blogs must be limited through a good district server. This is expensive thus making it difficult for poorer districts. Districts who utilize blogs will allow teachers, administrators, parents, and the community to benefit from the immediate feedback available through this tool.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Week 4 Evaluating Technology Plan
Evaluation Planning for Action Plan:
Communicate staff development expectations to campus administrators, librarians, teachers, and other instructional staff.
Document effective technology integration on PDAS.
Complete STaR Chart
Ask for teacher and administrator feedback on staff development programs for administrators, teachers, and technology directors.
Set up an online discussion board where stakeholders can receive feedback on the staff development programs.
Establish a campus portfolio, which focuses on the four areas addressed by the Star Chart. Teaching and Learning, Staff Development, Administration, and Infrastructure.
Communicate staff development expectations to campus administrators, librarians, teachers, and other instructional staff.
Document effective technology integration on PDAS.
Complete STaR Chart
Ask for teacher and administrator feedback on staff development programs for administrators, teachers, and technology directors.
Set up an online discussion board where stakeholders can receive feedback on the staff development programs.
Establish a campus portfolio, which focuses on the four areas addressed by the Star Chart. Teaching and Learning, Staff Development, Administration, and Infrastructure.
Week 4 Technology Professional Development Planning
Technology Needs:
Our campus has a great need for computer upgrades. Many of our current student computers need to have their hard drives updated. The number of computers available in our writing and math labs along with our library is not sufficient for our class sizes or the number of teachers wanting to utilize this technology for their classes.
Our current technology director is concerned with students accessing in appropriate material and puts up a firewall that blocks many useful sites. Our network needs to be upgraded to allow improvements to be made in this area. Funding must be set aside to provide for this and other improvements.
The entire district network needs to be upgraded. Although the initial cost of doing so would be expensive, it would save the district money in the long term. I believe using blogs, wiki’s, and podcasting would be a valuable tool for our district. However, currently our network does not have the capabilities to support such tools.
Professional Development for use of data:
Many of our teachers are not comfortable with using data that is available. For example, I’m convinced that many teachers have no concept of the value of the STaR Chart. The reasons behind these surveys and the benefits they could bring to the campus need to be conveyed to all within the district.
Surveys should be utilized to assess student and teachers understandings of what data is available on their campus in relationship to technology.
The district must hire an individual for each campus whose sole responsibility is to provide training and technical assistants to teachers throughout the school year. Our district currently is utilizing one individual for all 5 campuses. He cannot possibly address all the needs placed upon him.
Professional Development:
Our district is currently in trouble because of our AYP. Math is the content area in which we fell short of meeting AYP. Our math teachers are more than willing to utilize new technology. However, their concerns over professional development are associated with presentations made by a speaker not a user. They want a current teacher who uses new technology and can give them hands on training that they can see and then turn around and implement in the classroom. Listening to some one ramble for 2 hours and demonstrate nothing is not beneficial.
Our district needs to be willing to pay our teachers to attend 1-2 technology training sessions each year. Many teachers are more than willing to give up their time but feel strongly about being compensated. I agree to a certain extent. In the business world executives, managers, trainees, etc. are paid to receive extra training to increase their expertise in an area. I do not understand why we treat educators any differently.
Identify and provide a variety of staff development delivery models which reflect best practices and teaching methods
Our campus has a great need for computer upgrades. Many of our current student computers need to have their hard drives updated. The number of computers available in our writing and math labs along with our library is not sufficient for our class sizes or the number of teachers wanting to utilize this technology for their classes.
Our current technology director is concerned with students accessing in appropriate material and puts up a firewall that blocks many useful sites. Our network needs to be upgraded to allow improvements to be made in this area. Funding must be set aside to provide for this and other improvements.
The entire district network needs to be upgraded. Although the initial cost of doing so would be expensive, it would save the district money in the long term. I believe using blogs, wiki’s, and podcasting would be a valuable tool for our district. However, currently our network does not have the capabilities to support such tools.
Professional Development for use of data:
Many of our teachers are not comfortable with using data that is available. For example, I’m convinced that many teachers have no concept of the value of the STaR Chart. The reasons behind these surveys and the benefits they could bring to the campus need to be conveyed to all within the district.
Surveys should be utilized to assess student and teachers understandings of what data is available on their campus in relationship to technology.
The district must hire an individual for each campus whose sole responsibility is to provide training and technical assistants to teachers throughout the school year. Our district currently is utilizing one individual for all 5 campuses. He cannot possibly address all the needs placed upon him.
Professional Development:
Our district is currently in trouble because of our AYP. Math is the content area in which we fell short of meeting AYP. Our math teachers are more than willing to utilize new technology. However, their concerns over professional development are associated with presentations made by a speaker not a user. They want a current teacher who uses new technology and can give them hands on training that they can see and then turn around and implement in the classroom. Listening to some one ramble for 2 hours and demonstrate nothing is not beneficial.
Our district needs to be willing to pay our teachers to attend 1-2 technology training sessions each year. Many teachers are more than willing to give up their time but feel strongly about being compensated. I agree to a certain extent. In the business world executives, managers, trainees, etc. are paid to receive extra training to increase their expertise in an area. I do not understand why we treat educators any differently.
Identify and provide a variety of staff development delivery models which reflect best practices and teaching methods
Friday, December 4, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Star Chart
Educator Preparation and Development in the Long Range Plan for technology is concerned with the preparation of educators. Educators must be able to facilitate learning for our students while using the most recent technology available. Teachers must have a thorough knowledge of all software, strategies, and techniques available in the area of technology. Many educators are not against using knew techniques but are unsure of the various uses and benefits technology can provide.
At the local level our district has remained in the developing technology phase of growth in the past three years. At the state and national level this trend appears to be the same. What appears to be the reason for this trend is the lack of time and finances available to make needed improvements. Providing substitutes while teachers our out for training cost the district money, and providing training during the summer also cost the district.
My suggestion for this area is incentives to teachers who put the extra time and effort into the training needed to bring about change for the districts students. Districts must include in their budgets necessary money for the training of teachers in the area of technology. Many times this is an after thought; instead it must be at the forefront of planning.
At the local level our district has remained in the developing technology phase of growth in the past three years. At the state and national level this trend appears to be the same. What appears to be the reason for this trend is the lack of time and finances available to make needed improvements. Providing substitutes while teachers our out for training cost the district money, and providing training during the summer also cost the district.
My suggestion for this area is incentives to teachers who put the extra time and effort into the training needed to bring about change for the districts students. Districts must include in their budgets necessary money for the training of teachers in the area of technology. Many times this is an after thought; instead it must be at the forefront of planning.
Technology Applications TEKS
The Pre-K TEKS integrate hands on learning using video and audio technology. These TEKS lay the foundation for future learning by providing students a basis from which to acquire greater knowledge in the future.
Spiraling curriculum catches students as soon as they are ready to learn certain concepts. Then as they grow older and progress more concepts requiring the previously learned material are taught. Students must learn how to input information into the computer at an early age. This knowledge is added to gradually by teaching students multiple software techniques and strategies for gaining and saving information. Projects and presentations provide students various methods to master content information.
Spiraling curriculum catches students as soon as they are ready to learn certain concepts. Then as they grow older and progress more concepts requiring the previously learned material are taught. Students must learn how to input information into the computer at an early age. This knowledge is added to gradually by teaching students multiple software techniques and strategies for gaining and saving information. Projects and presentations provide students various methods to master content information.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Long Range Plan
After reading the Texas Long Range Plan for technology I have a better understanding of where currently technology in schools stands and where it needs to be in the future. As an instructional leader this information is necessary to understand what improvements need to be made in the district.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Assignment 1 Part 2
Technology is the key to the future of our students, teaching, and the nation. Without technology we cannot compete in our quickly expanding global world. The tools our students need to succeed should be utilized in our day to day classroom activities. After completing the two assessments my areas of weakness are related to the acquisition of information, problem solving, and communication. I agree with this assessment to a certain degree. Although I scored low in certain categories in these areas, I feel adequate and proficient in other categories.
My lack of familiarity with technology terminology makes me relatively certain that I know how to use certain tools, but do not know the titles for each. For example LANS and WANS. I am certain that I have used both of these tools, but do not know their meaning. Searching the internet is a skill I feel comfortable with, however, understanding the difference between a search engine and a directory I’m not familiar with. I am aware that the knowledge is available to access, research, and compare data. However, knowing how to access that data is an area of weakness.
In the area of solving problems using technology I feel confident using word, Microsoft works, power point, excel, and other word processing documents. However, I am not familiar with all the settings available in each document type. For example, I know that Excel documents can be used to calculate percentages, etc., but when using this tool I must ask for assistance in order to remember the procedures. I am aware that many tools are available but do not posses the immediate knowledge to implement these tools. When it comes to adding video or audio to a presentation I am completely lost. I believe that shared learning through the internet would be of great benefit in my area of social studies. However, I do not have the knowledge to operate this tool, nor is my school equipped to provide this service.
Through both of these assessments the lack of technological opportunities afforded our students is disturbing. I regularly here from all levels of administration how important technology is in the classroom. However, especially at the high school, the tools, training, and time needed to provided such changes is extremely inadequate.
I believe strongly that my strengths in the area of technology lie in my willingness to learn and my understanding of the value of technology in the classroom for the 21st Century student. I already utilize technology in my classroom and desire to better understand what other tools I could employ daily.
My lack of familiarity with technology terminology makes me relatively certain that I know how to use certain tools, but do not know the titles for each. For example LANS and WANS. I am certain that I have used both of these tools, but do not know their meaning. Searching the internet is a skill I feel comfortable with, however, understanding the difference between a search engine and a directory I’m not familiar with. I am aware that the knowledge is available to access, research, and compare data. However, knowing how to access that data is an area of weakness.
In the area of solving problems using technology I feel confident using word, Microsoft works, power point, excel, and other word processing documents. However, I am not familiar with all the settings available in each document type. For example, I know that Excel documents can be used to calculate percentages, etc., but when using this tool I must ask for assistance in order to remember the procedures. I am aware that many tools are available but do not posses the immediate knowledge to implement these tools. When it comes to adding video or audio to a presentation I am completely lost. I believe that shared learning through the internet would be of great benefit in my area of social studies. However, I do not have the knowledge to operate this tool, nor is my school equipped to provide this service.
Through both of these assessments the lack of technological opportunities afforded our students is disturbing. I regularly here from all levels of administration how important technology is in the classroom. However, especially at the high school, the tools, training, and time needed to provided such changes is extremely inadequate.
I believe strongly that my strengths in the area of technology lie in my willingness to learn and my understanding of the value of technology in the classroom for the 21st Century student. I already utilize technology in my classroom and desire to better understand what other tools I could employ daily.
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