Web Conference

I attended the web conference on Sunday, January 22, 2012.  There were only six participants if I remember correctly.  This session was very informative and Dr. Abernathy answered all of our questions thoroughly.  She also said she would find out answers for us if she did not have the answer to our questions about the degree program.  It was very important for me to attend the web conference so I could understand what was being required of me in the course and get some explanations.  Dr. Abernathy was very helpful.

Star Chart: How do we compare?

<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_11360400"> <strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/rkshuler/star-chart-how-do-we-compare" title="Star chart: How do we compare?" target="_blank">Star chart: How do we compare?</a></strong> <iframe src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/11360400" width="425" height="355" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="padding:5px 0 12px"> View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/rkshuler" target="_blank">rkshuler</a> </div> </div>

National Educational Technology Plan

The National Educational Technology Plan has five main goals.  The goals are concerned with learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity.  Each one of these goals came with recommendations. 

Learning is the basis of all of the technology plans.  In the learning area it says that we need to make our 21^st century learners technology ready for the world which would improve their learning through technology.  The STEM programs needed to be started and nurtured to improve student performance and learning.

In the area of assessment there needs to be more ways for teachers to use technology to assess student learning.  This is an area where the students will excel due to their expertise in the gaming world.  Our students need to use their knowledge to show their skills like in simulations for example.

The teaching aspect of the goals is very significant to learners.  Our students excel when technology is used in our teaching.  It is important that we use online tools and resources to enhance our student’s education.  When we teach a lesson and a child can use technology to enhance the learning they seem to grasp the concept better.  Online portions of our curriculum are vital to the success of our students.

Infrastructure needs to be appropriate for the campus and district.  Our students need to have fast moving internet and be able to access things quickly in order not to stop using the technology. 

Productivity needs to show how the money that is being spent is being used.  This is important to stakeholders.

Technology Progress Report

The current plan is actually the second technology plan that has been created.  The technology plan was the first in the state, but the second for the federal government.  Over the twenty years the first plan was in existence there were many changes to technology.  When the new plan was developed we needed a way to help our student’s progress to a global market rather than just trying to keep up with the changes.

We also had the technology immersion program which was going to tell how technology impacted learning.  The study showed how technology immersion helped improve scores and learning by the students.  This allowed everyone to see the effects of technology.

The Texas Virtual School Network was reviewed.  It showed that there were concerns about funding and accredibility.  When it comes to the four areas of the technology plan we have made progress and improvements.  Technology has become part of a teacher’s curriculum and teaching strategies.  When it came to teachers getting professional development there was only a slight gain.  This in my opinion is due to funding for trainings and substitutes.  In the areas of administration and leadership there were gains in all areas.  Some areas had more gains than others.  Infrastructure of technology had more significant gains.  These gains I believe are due to the push of technology being in the classrooms and being used by students and teachers alike.  This was an important area to show gains due to there being a plan in place for technology.

Teaching & Learning

In the area of Teaching & Learning it is supposed to allow students and teachers to have access to technology at all times of the day.  We are to use technology to speak to all audiences, solve real life problems, and improve academic performance.  If a teacher does not use technology appropriately then students cannot achieve success in this area. 

The local area, state, and national level have made this area a priority due to our students being the 21^st century learner.  It is important that we progress in this area to ensure that our students are receiving the best education possible and delivering the information effectively.

There is a trend in this area is that schools do not have enough money to stay current with the new technology.  Schools are trying to teach with technology, but on limited funds.  This is a problem locally, state wide, and nationally.  Districts, states, and the national government have made it an expectation to use technology effectively and efficiently to teach our students.  When it comes to trends technology is a trend in itself and we have to get on board in order to reach our students successfully.

My recommendations for this area would be that we need more funding for technology.  We also need to make sure that our teachers know how to use the technology efficiently and effectively.  It is important that when teachers are in trainings that they are learning how to use the equipment successfully.