Before this course began, I believed that this course would provide me with strategies on how to be an effective leader. I didn’t realize that the focus of the course targeted technology use in the school setting. Once I realized the focus, I envisioned learning how to integrate technology into the educational process and the role of the administrator. In my district, technology integration is a must. SMART Boards, mimeo boards, digital cameras, and response clickers are some examples of the technology hardware that teachers are expected to use in the classroom. The course study was absolutely wonderful in that it introduced me to different approaches to using technology, such as blogging, in the classroom. Unfortunately, most of the technology applications, blogging, wikis, myspace and facebook projects are not available in my district. Although it is not feasible for me to use in my district, I believe that those are wonderful avenues for teachers and students to communicate. Students might be more apt, to participate in class discussion via the Internet. Students would be able to research or find the answer to questions posed by the teacher before answering, alleviating the threat of sounding like an idiot or nerd before their peers. Plus, in today’s digital age, most of the students enter the classrooms with experience working with some type of technology. As educators we must work together to change our system of educating to meet the needs of our technology driven students.
This course introduced me to things that I knew little to nothing about. For example, I had never heard of the Texas Long Range Plan. I knew that there were required technology TEKS, but I wasn’t quite sure how and when those TEKS were supposed to be implemented. I’m still not sure how they will be implemented, but I am at least aware of state requirements. Another, concept that this course familiarized me with was the importance of the StaR chart. The only thing that I new about the StaR chart is that it was a state requirement to complete it. I know now that the StaR report provides administrators with data on the technology use on the campus. The results can help plan staff development that will provide teachers with strategies for incorporating technology and budgeting for the purchase of hardware and software.
For the most part I was successful in completing the assignments, but time management, more than anything else, was a problem for me. The assignments were time consuming and somewhat rigorous in nature. Also, sometimes the instructions for the assignments were not clear and concise, but open to interpretation. On the up side, this course removed me from my comfort zone and opened my mind to a new way of approaching technology in the classroom. Leaders often times have to step out of their comfort zones and learn to do new things in order to lead.
There are many benefits to using blogs. Blogging allows the students and teachers to communicate with each other using the written language as well as graphics in a less threatening manner. Blogging also provides a segway for teachers to teach Internet safety/responsibilities and exposes the students to a method of communication for future real world applications. Not only is blogging good for teacher student communication, it is good for the use of all stakeholders. Pertinent school information could be posted on the blog. Parents could simply refer to the blog for information and ask questions through comments.
Although there are some wonderful benefits to using blogs, there are many concerns about using them as well. The primary concern is Internet safety. Many districts are reluctant to use online resources, such as blogging and myspace for fear of predators presenting themselves as friends and enticing kids into dangerous situations. Districts simply don’t want to be held liable. However, I believe that educating our students on what’s appropriate and not appropriate would curtail our students from venturing out into dangerous territory.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
District Technology Mission Statement
The technology mission is to integrate technology in a way that the educational program for all children in the district will encourage problem solving, exploration and learning in the classroom; provide student centered learning, provide access to technology to all students and staff; provide for both current and future needs; restructure the learning environment; encourage communication; complement current key teaching strategies; and implement a comprehensive information system.
Instructional Technology Mission
The instructional technology mission is to improve the utilization and integration of technology through the use of staff development applications and curriculum software.
District Personnel
Superintendent-Responsible for overseeing implementation and delegation of technology initiative.
Director of Technology-Provides support for instructional technology including, design and implementation of K-12 programs.
District Technology Instructional Specialist-Provides training to campus technology specialists, instructional specialists, teachers, and administrators
Campus Technology Instructional Specialist
Participate in district trainings. Provides support to enhance classroom instruction through technology use; models technology use in the classroom
Campus Instructional Specialists
The campus instructional specialists will provide model lessons in their core areas that integrate technology. They will provide additional support to teachers based on teacher self evaluations and survey
Campus Administrator-Principal and AP
Models, directs and manages programs at campus level.
Classroom teachers-Integrates technology into classroom lessons
Needs Assessment
Our campus goal is to integrate technology instruction and accelerate academic achievement in all core areas. The campus needs assessment revealed that teachers are not using the technology available to them for instruction due to the lack of training in the usage of the technology tools. The goal of the planned professional development for technology is to provide teachers with the knowledge of how to use and integrate the technology available to them into instruction.
Professional Development Plan
* Acceptable Use Policy and Copyright Refresher
Teachers will be refreshed on the district acceptable use policy and copyright laws and ethics regarding the use of information off of the Internet, as well as the use of the different software programs available.
* SMART Board and Inter-write Pad Usage New Teacher training/ Refresher
The training will provide teachers with the basic operational use of the technology tools. The technology instructional specialists will model practical uses of the tools in the classroom.
*Response Clicker Training
The technology instructional specialists and core area instructional specialists will provide methods for incorporating the response clickers into lessons and activities. Teachers will be provided an opportunity to work with their departments to create an activity that utilizes the response clickers.
*ELMO document camera
Teachers will be trained on how to use the document camera. The technology instructional specialists will model practical uses of the tools in the classroom.
Campus Stakeholdres/Evaluation Tools
Campus Administrators-Principal and Assistant Principal
Consistent walk-throughs in classrooms to evaluate the use and effectiveness of technology in the classroom. Monitor staff developments for appropriateness and adequate time for training. Reports from campus technology specialists will be evaluated.
Campus Instructional Technology Specialists
Observe and document teacher use of technology. Formative survey given to the teachers regarding needs in the classroom. Results from STaR chart survey for the campus will be analyzed for improvement.
Classroom Teacher
Self-assessment regarding use of technology. Feedback from students. Observations from principal and campus technology specialist.
Campus Instructional Specialists
Observe and document teacher use of technology based on goals set by department. They will provide additional support to teachers based on teacher self evaluations and surveys.
The technology mission is to integrate technology in a way that the educational program for all children in the district will encourage problem solving, exploration and learning in the classroom; provide student centered learning, provide access to technology to all students and staff; provide for both current and future needs; restructure the learning environment; encourage communication; complement current key teaching strategies; and implement a comprehensive information system.
Instructional Technology Mission
The instructional technology mission is to improve the utilization and integration of technology through the use of staff development applications and curriculum software.
District Personnel
Superintendent-Responsible for overseeing implementation and delegation of technology initiative.
Director of Technology-Provides support for instructional technology including, design and implementation of K-12 programs.
District Technology Instructional Specialist-Provides training to campus technology specialists, instructional specialists, teachers, and administrators
Campus Technology Instructional Specialist
Participate in district trainings. Provides support to enhance classroom instruction through technology use; models technology use in the classroom
Campus Instructional Specialists
The campus instructional specialists will provide model lessons in their core areas that integrate technology. They will provide additional support to teachers based on teacher self evaluations and survey
Campus Administrator-Principal and AP
Models, directs and manages programs at campus level.
Classroom teachers-Integrates technology into classroom lessons
Needs Assessment
Our campus goal is to integrate technology instruction and accelerate academic achievement in all core areas. The campus needs assessment revealed that teachers are not using the technology available to them for instruction due to the lack of training in the usage of the technology tools. The goal of the planned professional development for technology is to provide teachers with the knowledge of how to use and integrate the technology available to them into instruction.
Professional Development Plan
* Acceptable Use Policy and Copyright Refresher
Teachers will be refreshed on the district acceptable use policy and copyright laws and ethics regarding the use of information off of the Internet, as well as the use of the different software programs available.
* SMART Board and Inter-write Pad Usage New Teacher training/ Refresher
The training will provide teachers with the basic operational use of the technology tools. The technology instructional specialists will model practical uses of the tools in the classroom.
*Response Clicker Training
The technology instructional specialists and core area instructional specialists will provide methods for incorporating the response clickers into lessons and activities. Teachers will be provided an opportunity to work with their departments to create an activity that utilizes the response clickers.
*ELMO document camera
Teachers will be trained on how to use the document camera. The technology instructional specialists will model practical uses of the tools in the classroom.
Campus Stakeholdres/Evaluation Tools
Campus Administrators-Principal and Assistant Principal
Consistent walk-throughs in classrooms to evaluate the use and effectiveness of technology in the classroom. Monitor staff developments for appropriateness and adequate time for training. Reports from campus technology specialists will be evaluated.
Campus Instructional Technology Specialists
Observe and document teacher use of technology. Formative survey given to the teachers regarding needs in the classroom. Results from STaR chart survey for the campus will be analyzed for improvement.
Classroom Teacher
Self-assessment regarding use of technology. Feedback from students. Observations from principal and campus technology specialist.
Campus Instructional Specialists
Observe and document teacher use of technology based on goals set by department. They will provide additional support to teachers based on teacher self evaluations and surveys.
Monday, November 30, 2009
S Ta R Chart Report For Wams
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
S Ta R Chart Report For Wams
View more presentations from Lamar University.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Technology TEKS-Multiple Opportunities to master knowledge, EDLD 5352
The Communication series of the Technology Applications TEKS is the consummate opportunity for students to show mastery of knowledge and/or skills. This series requires students to utilize different media and software for presentation to particular audiences which will receive and can be both informally and formally assessed according to the rubrics that the student will be self-directed to create. Students are to show that they can integrate a variety of media into their presentations. Students are also required to use programs that store data, organize the project, track completion, and analyze/evaluate the data for presentation. This is a great opportunity for assessment as to whether or not the student understands the various ways to obtain information and produce projects.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Pre K Technology Applications TEKS Summary
The Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS require students to be able to navigate software using physical and programmed instruments. They must learn minimal technological terminology as well as basic oral and graphic clues for software operations. Students will enjoy listening and interacting with multimedia software.
According to the Pre-K technology TEKS, young students must be acquainted with the major parts of the computer and their terminologies as well as how to use age appropriate software. They are taught to listen to interactive storybooks or videos and even maybe some research via electronic encyclopedias and dictionaries. All of these are essential foundational strategies and techniques that will be built upon as the students progress through the educational environment.
According to the Pre-K technology TEKS, young students must be acquainted with the major parts of the computer and their terminologies as well as how to use age appropriate software. They are taught to listen to interactive storybooks or videos and even maybe some research via electronic encyclopedias and dictionaries. All of these are essential foundational strategies and techniques that will be built upon as the students progress through the educational environment.
Long Range Plan
The Long Range Plan for technology in short is Texas' plan to educate and prepare our students, as well as educators to function in the digital age. Reflecting back about ten years ago, during a staff development the presenter said, " If you do not know how to use a computer you should not be teaching." At the same time I thought that the lady was crazy because I did not need a computer to teach. All I needed was an overhead projector, white board, a lesson plan book, grade book, a calculator and a creative mind to plan engaging lessons. Since that time, I have seen a rapid increase in the use of computers and other technoloy support systems. Gone are the days of turning in handwritten lesson plans and grade books. Lesson plan and gradebooks have been replaced with web based applications that allow teachers to enter their plans, share plans with colleagues, analyze student data, and commuicate with parents. Computer projectors and smart boards have replaced the overhead projectors, while inteactive computer games have begun to replace traditional teacher to whole class games such as bingo and vocabulary charades.
After reading the Texas Long- Range Plan, I have come to realize the words of the presenter were correct. The traditional forms of teaching are changing to meet the demands of the digital age. As an instructional leader in the digital age it is important to understand the benefits of using technology in the educational setting. Using the technology is a requirement of all districts by the state of Texas. The most beneficial factor is that the use of technology aides in actively engaging students in the learning process by appealing to their multi-sensory learning styles and by teaching the TEKS students are learning key elements needed for continuing education upon graduation and basic survival skills needed for the digital world.
Another key point instructional leaders must consider is the budget. The Long Range Plan calls for professional development on the proper use of the technology hardware and software and effective use of the technology in the classroom. Monies must be allocated for such professional development opportunities. In addition, the budget must include funding for the technology needed to meet the technology TEKS.
After reading the Texas Long- Range Plan, I have come to realize the words of the presenter were correct. The traditional forms of teaching are changing to meet the demands of the digital age. As an instructional leader in the digital age it is important to understand the benefits of using technology in the educational setting. Using the technology is a requirement of all districts by the state of Texas. The most beneficial factor is that the use of technology aides in actively engaging students in the learning process by appealing to their multi-sensory learning styles and by teaching the TEKS students are learning key elements needed for continuing education upon graduation and basic survival skills needed for the digital world.
Another key point instructional leaders must consider is the budget. The Long Range Plan calls for professional development on the proper use of the technology hardware and software and effective use of the technology in the classroom. Monies must be allocated for such professional development opportunities. In addition, the budget must include funding for the technology needed to meet the technology TEKS.
Technology Applications Inventory-SETDA
The Technology Applications Inventory and the SETDA are valuable tools to use when developing a plan to implement the technology TEKS in the classroom. These inventories consist of a series of questions that allows for an individual to self assess knowledge of technology and determine needs in order to become more literate and proficient with the use of technology both professionally and personally. The Technology Applications Inventory confirmed that I am an average user of technology. According to my responses, I have a the basic knowledge in technology and can effectively communicate and acquire information using a variety of technological resources such as creating multimedia slide shows and word documents, analyzing and sorting data, and researching and validating information . This basic knowledge of technology will allow me to adapt to the changing needs of technology driven students of today.
The inventory also revealed several areas to improve on. One of those areas is to acquire knowledge and understanding of the technology terminology found in the inventory. Many of the terms, vector graphic files and bit mapped graphic files to name a few,were not familiar. In fact, I had never heard of those two words before in my life. Another revelation from the results of the survey showed that although I am pretty proficient in creating slide show presentations, the purpose of most of them is to provide information. Making those presentations more interactive for the audience would most likely increase engagement and enhance learning.
The inventory also revealed several areas to improve on. One of those areas is to acquire knowledge and understanding of the technology terminology found in the inventory. Many of the terms, vector graphic files and bit mapped graphic files to name a few,were not familiar. In fact, I had never heard of those two words before in my life. Another revelation from the results of the survey showed that although I am pretty proficient in creating slide show presentations, the purpose of most of them is to provide information. Making those presentations more interactive for the audience would most likely increase engagement and enhance learning.
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