Week 2 Web Conference

The web conference tonight was helpful. I was get to some much needed clarification on the site mentor that will relieve a lot of my stress. Although I had a lot of difficulty with my speakers and missed a lot of what was said, I know I'll be able to go back and watch it at a later time and hopefully hear what I missed.

E-Rate Program PowerPoint

Schools and libraries program of the universal service week 2

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National Education Technology Plan

The National Education Technology Plan is designed to improve technology in the education systems. Most students have more technology knowledge than the schools have to offer. The purpose of the NETP is to ensure the schools have the technology necessary to teach 21^st Century learners. Technology has the capacity to make learning engaging and to empower the students and the teachers. Students today have access to some of the most advanced technology tools 24/7; while the schools are still using textbooks and the basics in technology to teach students. Professionals in all areas use technology of all types, from mobile X-Ray machines to digital media and graphics. Days of art being done by hand are going by the wayside; while the initial drawings maybe done by hand, the final product ultimately is completed by technology. Our education system has the challenge of leveraging technology to create relevant learning experiences that will represent students’ daily lives and the reality of their futures. Learning must be taken beyond the years spent in school or the hours we spend in the classroom, learning is life-long and must be something that is continued throughout our lives.  If implemented and used correctly the National Education Technology plan can be just the beginning for making learning engaging and empowering.

                In addition to using technology to make learning creative, engaging and empowering; technology should also be used to train current teachers in the same manner that new teachers are taught in college and in Teacher Education classes. Professional development should be used to create fluent users of technology; to teach teachers to be engaged in learning not just outside their classroom through workshops and conferences but also in the classroom, in the act of teaching. Technology provides for continuous support which connects face to face learning with online learning.  Video sharing is a tremendous way to provide professional development while teaching the students. Students can learn from other students by using video sharing. The National Education Plan states is designed to ensure that teachers are given every opportunity to learn using the same types of technology that our students use.

The biggest issue I see with the plan is that it doesn’t allow any exceptions for the smaller districts which struggle with limited budgets and a lack of technology. While I see the potential in the plan and I agree the need to implement technology into our classrooms is more prevalent than it was in the past.

District Technology Plan

According to the http://tpesc.esc12.net, Karnack ISD did not have a completed technology plan. There does not appear to have been a technology plan in place in last several years.

• What professional development opportunities are available, who is in charge of coordinating the professional development opportunities and are there the financial and time resources to ensure staff is kept up to date in learning about new technologies. All teachers have access to professional development opportunities, either through TEA conferences, Region workshops at the Service Center or through online web training. Karnack is a part of multiple coops through the Region Service Center which makes it possible for Teachers to go through professional development at little to no cost to the district. The school also makes use of the Perkins Grant to assist in paying for Conferences through TEA. Our Principal is in charge of approving professional development opportunities, while the teachers are responsible for keeping up on any current or new workshops and/or conferences which could be of a benefit to each individual teacher. 

• How are the telecommunication services, hardware, software and other services assessed to ensure improved student learning.  Is there sufficient budget to acquire and support the non-discount element of the plan? The telecommunication services, hardware, software and other services are assessed through an off-site technology representative. The district has a contract with an off-site company which is responsible for maintaining and assessing any and all technology issues. Since the district does not have an approved technology plan on file with TEA; the district does not appear to be benefiting from the E-Rate services. The district has limited budget; and what little budget they have is allocated to resolving any technology problems in the Math and Science departments.
•   Describe the evaluation process that enables the school or district to monitor the progress toward the specified goals and make mid-course corrections in response to new developments and opportunities as they arise.  There does not appear to be any evaluation process outside of the process of teachers are responsible to put in a technology order for any technology issues which may arise. There are weekly staff meetings and teachers can voice any concerns and/or make suggestions during this time.

 I have been with the district for 2 years and during this time I have seen the technology decrease in use instead of increase in use. This is due in part to the limited technology available at each individual campus. The High School is currently using computers which are approximately 10 years old. They have a small computer lab for use but is shared with another teacher who uses the classroom for 1 period when he monitors the Spanish II and Spanish III classes; which are done online through Rosetta Stone. The Spanish I class is held in the Computer room which is also used for all computer classes. The library has approximately 10 computers in which the majority of them do not work at any given time.

 

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Technology in Education

With the ever growing changes in the 21st century, including the increase in technology it is even more important that educators grow in technology. Technology can be a huge step in improving education for our 21st century learners. Students today are more technologically savvy than many of our educators; however, I believe that if we can let go of the 'old ways' of teaching and open our minds to the new ways our students will be more engaged in learning and we as educators will be more engaged in teaching. While I teach using computers on a daily basis, I must admit my technology skill level is low. Already in this course I have learned some valuable tools which I have implemented in my classroom. Their are many technology tools available in which my students are more technology savvy than myself. I am learning that I will allow myself to be open to what the students have to say, there is much I can learn from the students in my classroom. I believe that if am willing to allow the students to have some input in their learning that the students and I will learn more and have a more engaging classroom experience.

One example of this is the use of edmodo.net in my classroom. I learned about this website from one of the classmates in this course. It has been a great addition to my classroom, my students see it as a Facebook page they are allowed to access in school. I use the website to post the assignments and due dates and other information students need to know. The students can then upload their assignments on the website, I access the assignment and grade them. The students can have access to their grades/assignments at any time/place. The students can also send posts to their classmates and to the teacher.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog site. On this site I will post new information on technology and/or education. Hopefully you will find some helpful tips to make teaching more creative and engaging for your students. In addition, I look forward to reading your posts.