Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Educator Preparation and Development area of the Texas STaR chart I feel is one of the most critical aspects of the Long- Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020. This area is crucial because it does not matter how great the technology is in the classroom, if teachers are not given the level of training needed to understand how to use the technology, it will be a waste of money. The Texas Teacher STaR Chart provides teachers with a self-assessment tools to help them identify areas of weaknesses to focus on to improve their level of instruction in the classroom. This chart also allows teachers the data needed to make informed decisions regarding technology needs and how best to use resources. This gives the teacher with opportunities to see areas of their teaching where professional growth may be needed.
Knowing that every student is to be "technology literate" by the end of the 8th grade, makes every teachers job in regards to technology more challenging. This has also made the use of technology in the classroom increase with many teachers moving from Developing Tech level to Advanced Tech level. However, there is still the ultimate level to reach of Target Tech, where teachers will design lessons that are project centered for students to be able apply their own way of learning. In recent years, staff development has been targeted around technology and the opportunities it provides for teachers and students. Federal and state money have been given to districts to help equip every school with technology that is applicable for the classroom. Every school is to have broadband internet and students are to instructional opportunities to be able to use the internet.
The business world, state and federal government, and students themselves are pushing teachers to learn more about technology. It is my opinion that the most significant change in instruction will occur when teachers are given opportunities to learn how to use technology and how to effectively instruct students in how to use it. Teachers need to be given ample opportunities to practice the new learning and to make it their own. They just like students need to be given time to work with the technology and with the STaR Chart surveys and results, teachers can see where they need to focus their attentions and where they are compared to the rest of the campus. This helps the principal then determine where to target the staff development opportunities to meet the needs of his staff. In meeting those needs, he will be working toward meeting the technological needs of the students as well.
Knowing that every student is to be "technology literate" by the end of the 8th grade, makes every teachers job in regards to technology more challenging. This has also made the use of technology in the classroom increase with many teachers moving from Developing Tech level to Advanced Tech level. However, there is still the ultimate level to reach of Target Tech, where teachers will design lessons that are project centered for students to be able apply their own way of learning. In recent years, staff development has been targeted around technology and the opportunities it provides for teachers and students. Federal and state money have been given to districts to help equip every school with technology that is applicable for the classroom. Every school is to have broadband internet and students are to instructional opportunities to be able to use the internet.
The business world, state and federal government, and students themselves are pushing teachers to learn more about technology. It is my opinion that the most significant change in instruction will occur when teachers are given opportunities to learn how to use technology and how to effectively instruct students in how to use it. Teachers need to be given ample opportunities to practice the new learning and to make it their own. They just like students need to be given time to work with the technology and with the STaR Chart surveys and results, teachers can see where they need to focus their attentions and where they are compared to the rest of the campus. This helps the principal then determine where to target the staff development opportunities to meet the needs of his staff. In meeting those needs, he will be working toward meeting the technological needs of the students as well.
Should educational leaders be assessed on their technology leadership knowledge and skills? I feel they should. As an instructional leader in the school it is imperative that the principal lead the way in technology training to insure that his/her teachers are receiving the needed resources. Supplying the classrooms with needed computers is only have of the problem. Teachers need to be trained in software to fully implement the technological resources of the classroom. Equipment without thorough training is a wasted resource. Technology has to be seen by the instructional leader not as just a resource to help students improve in areas of weakness or to do the regular classroom work with a different tool, but technology needs to been as a venue into a new classroom. One with no walls and with unlimited opportunities to expand the learning experiences into interactive, globally collaborative lessons to bring about a deeper level of learning and instruct students synthesizing their learning beyond the school.
If school districts are to meet the needs of the 21st century learner it is imperative that the instructional leader of the school lead his/her staff in using technology and having the necessary knowledge to teach students on how to apply the technological tools to enhance their learning experiences. Technology needs to be seen as a tool that must be applied to instruct students in real world learning to prepare them for future experiences.
The real question lies in how to assess leaders in this area? The level of technological resources differ with every school. Many principals are limited by budget constraints in their ability to supply teachers with cutting edge technology that will be outdated in 3 years. Some are fortunate enough to work for districts that can afford the "newest and the latest" in technology. For that principal the challenge would be staying up to date in his own training with technology always in such a fluid field. Every district has it own stories, which makes it difficult to fairly assess a principal's technology leadership skills. Because of varying degrees of technology in school and the different degrees of staff ability in technology it would be difficult to truly determine the needs. However, that does not mean it should not be done.
If the instructional leadership does not lead the way in technology schools will remain far behind where we need to be right now. It is up to the principal to do everything with his control to prepare his teachers for the 21st century classroom and to prepare students to be 21st century. The principal through the campus plan and the cite base committee should identify areas
If school districts are to meet the needs of the 21st century learner it is imperative that the instructional leader of the school lead his/her staff in using technology and having the necessary knowledge to teach students on how to apply the technological tools to enhance their learning experiences. Technology needs to be seen as a tool that must be applied to instruct students in real world learning to prepare them for future experiences.
The real question lies in how to assess leaders in this area? The level of technological resources differ with every school. Many principals are limited by budget constraints in their ability to supply teachers with cutting edge technology that will be outdated in 3 years. Some are fortunate enough to work for districts that can afford the "newest and the latest" in technology. For that principal the challenge would be staying up to date in his own training with technology always in such a fluid field. Every district has it own stories, which makes it difficult to fairly assess a principal's technology leadership skills. Because of varying degrees of technology in school and the different degrees of staff ability in technology it would be difficult to truly determine the needs. However, that does not mean it should not be done.
If the instructional leadership does not lead the way in technology schools will remain far behind where we need to be right now. It is up to the principal to do everything with his control to prepare his teachers for the 21st century classroom and to prepare students to be 21st century. The principal through the campus plan and the cite base committee should identify areas
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