Texas STaR chart

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Week 2 Assignment, Part 2: Using a Blog

Teaching and Learning
Teachers must be better prepared and trained in technology so that they may educate their students on the use of technology. They need to complete technology courses before becoming a teacher, participate in ongoing staff development and keep up with new trends in technology. Progress is being made in both state and local preparation. in 2006-2007, 73.6% of schools were Developing Tech in Teaching and Learning. The next year, 69.7% were developing Tech and the remaining 3.9% and an additional 1.5% advanced to Advanced Tech. Over the course of one year, 5.4% of schools rated as Early Tech decreased to 3.9% in 2007-2008. Within my own school, we have fluctuated between 14 (Developing 06-07), 15 (Advanced, 07-08) and back to 14 (Developing 08-09). I do expect to see an increase in scores again both locally and state wide. The trends that are showing is simply an increase and advancement through the stages across the state. My school personally did not show any particular trends in the Teaching and Learning category, but I expect to be back on track next STaR chart. Some recommendations I have would be to better explain the STaR chart to teachers, warn them of how it is serious and how they should take time to read each question and then increase staff developments and trainings on how to use the technology we have. Once we have mastered the technology that is available, we will then need to branch out and adopt new technology for our school.

Long Range Plan for Technology

There is a lot of information available for technology. By reviewing and summarizing the Long Range Plan it gave me an idea of where my school stands and where we as a state are headed. I think it gave me an idea of where our school needs to be headed and what we need to be pushing as well. We have computer 30 minutes a day. We normally have children participate in skill and drill software, but I think that we as a school should begin to take this time as another teaching opportunity and begin teaching children how to use their computers as a resource tool. This information has also helped me see what will be expected of schools and where staff will need training and staff development. This will gives us a ample time to ensure that we are prepared for the standards that are going to be put in place and how we can best utilize the technology that we have.

Technology Applications TEKS Summary

In Pre-K students are taught the basics of computers. They learn to refer to input devices (mouse, keyboard, CD-ROM etc.), open different software programs, operate recorders and touch screens, use software to express themselves, and grasp the concept that information is accessible through the use of technology. When a Pre-K student has learned all of these concepts, it lays the groundwork for the upper grades to introduce new, more advanced software, different tools the software has to offer and how to navigate the computer more effectively. The child has already learned how to use a mouse, they can now use the mouse to click on Kidspiration and create a file. A scaffolding curriculum should build on what a student knows. By teaching the basics early, it allows the teachers to teach the students something more complex in upper grades. Students have many opportunities to master knowledge and skills everyday using technology. After a child has mastered how to use their mouse, keyboard and CD-ROM, they will continue to expand and improve their computer skills. They continue to show that they have mastered that skill, while working on mastering a new skill at the same time.

Technology Skills Assessments

As part of this week's assignment I have taken two different technology assessments. As I went through both assessments, I realized that I have a large knowledge base in technology. I still have lots of room to grow, of course, but I still think I am moderately advanced. I also noticed that our school and district is lacking when it comes to the implementation and teaching of technology. In both the technology applications survey and the SETDA, I noticed that my school was showing many areas of weakness. I agree with both assessments and think that they opened my eyes to areas that both my school and I can work on. I personally live for technology and am disappointed when we don't have the time, resources or budget money to implement all the different sources of technology. I think that I am very strong with technology in general and excel within the school. I know that this year alone I have piloted 5 different sources of technology in the classroom. Teachers do come to me for help and I feel that I am competent in the day to day use. I would, however, like to branch out more and find even more resources and tools. I know that I am not teaching the children to use technology the way that I should, however. I would like to learn more about editing software and programs so that my class can learn to create and edit informational sources, such as videos and presentations.