Week 2 - Web Conference Experience Blog Post
I attended my first web conference on Wednesday, July 21st. The web conference was facilitated by Dr. Borel using Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro Meeting. This was my first experience using a video web conference. It was a pleasant experience though I did have some issues in getting it to work properly right away. In all I enjoyed the experience of being able to place a voice and face to some of my fellow students in our cohort.
The web conference served as a good lecture on how to prepare ourselves for upcoming assignments and our internship plan. It gave me a better perspective on what to expect in the coming month out of the program as well. I especially like the fact that we can go back and listen to the record chat and view the documents that were shared with us during the conference. I plan to try and attend future conferences to ensure that any questions that I might have get good clarification. I hope any information I gain from asking questions might be useful to others as well.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
National Educational Technology Plan
Week 2 - Blog Post #3 - National Educational Technology Plan
The National Educational Technology Plan is an extensive document geared towards the successful implementation of a unified pathway to teaching and learning through the use of technology. The plan calls for commitment by all to ensure success for using technology effectively. Through planning and recommendations from thousands of professionals throughout the nation the plan was born to shape the vision of the future of education.
The plan is recommended five strategic goals that must be met:
1.0 Learning
2.0 Assessment
3.0 Teaching
4.0 Infrastructure
5.0 Productivity
Each goal is meticulously detailed in order to provide a vision for the nation's future.
1.0 Learning - All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and outside of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society. ("Transforming american education:," 2010)
This goal is set up to expand what we learn, how we learn, where and when we learn and who needs to learn. It is evident that we all must be lifelong learners due to the use of technology. It is a great shift towards continuous learning.
2.0 Assessment - Our Education system at all levels will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and use assessment data for continuous improvement. ("Transforming american education:," 2010)
This goal is set up to measure, document, analyze and evaluate the use of technology in education and use the data to show continuous improvement. This will be done by assessments, conducting research, and revising prior practices to always find a way to continuously improve the way technology is used in education.
3.0 Teaching - Professional educators will be supported individually by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that can empower and inspire them to provide more effective teaching for all learners. ("Transforming american education:," 2010)
This goal will allow teachers to connect with others through collaborative teaching, have every tool at their disposal, be mentors to others, and will be provided with professional development to ensure success. Teaching will be transformed to provide effectiveness to ensure students learn through the use of technology.
4.0 Infrastructure - All students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning when and where they need it. ("Transforming american education:," 2010)
Perhaps one of the bulkiest goals in the plan, it will allow for learning at anytime and anywhere. Broadband access for all, increased access devices for every student and educator, increased educational resources and support are the pillars of this goal. Infrastructure will be transformed to provide for 24/7 learning and new and emerging technologies.
5.0 Productivity - Our education system at all levels will redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making more efficient use of time, money, and staff. ("Transforming american education:," 2010)
The bottom line with all these goals is money always rules the day. Wasteful spending will be reduced, decisions will be data driven, developing new learning models, and expanding the school year are all aspects of the productivity goal. Productivity should mean the same thing to everyone, reducing cost should be of the utmost importance, making the right choices on what to implement, revitalizing the learning system and making sure this success carries over into the workplace or higher education.
Though the outline goals of the National Educational Technology Plan our nation's teachers and students will have every opportunity to enhance learning and create engaging and effective student achievement through the use of technology. The plan is a powerful call to the state educational systems, school districts, administrators, educators, students and parents to wake up and do more. It states a clear vision as to where our nation should be and wants to be soon.
Office of Educational Technology United States Department of Education, (2010) Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology, National Educational Technology Plan 2010. Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/NETP-2010-final-report.pdf
The National Educational Technology Plan is an extensive document geared towards the successful implementation of a unified pathway to teaching and learning through the use of technology. The plan calls for commitment by all to ensure success for using technology effectively. Through planning and recommendations from thousands of professionals throughout the nation the plan was born to shape the vision of the future of education.
The plan is recommended five strategic goals that must be met:
1.0 Learning
2.0 Assessment
3.0 Teaching
4.0 Infrastructure
5.0 Productivity
Each goal is meticulously detailed in order to provide a vision for the nation's future.
1.0 Learning - All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and outside of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society. ("Transforming american education:," 2010)
This goal is set up to expand what we learn, how we learn, where and when we learn and who needs to learn. It is evident that we all must be lifelong learners due to the use of technology. It is a great shift towards continuous learning.
2.0 Assessment - Our Education system at all levels will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and use assessment data for continuous improvement. ("Transforming american education:," 2010)
This goal is set up to measure, document, analyze and evaluate the use of technology in education and use the data to show continuous improvement. This will be done by assessments, conducting research, and revising prior practices to always find a way to continuously improve the way technology is used in education.
3.0 Teaching - Professional educators will be supported individually by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that can empower and inspire them to provide more effective teaching for all learners. ("Transforming american education:," 2010)
This goal will allow teachers to connect with others through collaborative teaching, have every tool at their disposal, be mentors to others, and will be provided with professional development to ensure success. Teaching will be transformed to provide effectiveness to ensure students learn through the use of technology.
4.0 Infrastructure - All students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning when and where they need it. ("Transforming american education:," 2010)
Perhaps one of the bulkiest goals in the plan, it will allow for learning at anytime and anywhere. Broadband access for all, increased access devices for every student and educator, increased educational resources and support are the pillars of this goal. Infrastructure will be transformed to provide for 24/7 learning and new and emerging technologies.
5.0 Productivity - Our education system at all levels will redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making more efficient use of time, money, and staff. ("Transforming american education:," 2010)
The bottom line with all these goals is money always rules the day. Wasteful spending will be reduced, decisions will be data driven, developing new learning models, and expanding the school year are all aspects of the productivity goal. Productivity should mean the same thing to everyone, reducing cost should be of the utmost importance, making the right choices on what to implement, revitalizing the learning system and making sure this success carries over into the workplace or higher education.
Though the outline goals of the National Educational Technology Plan our nation's teachers and students will have every opportunity to enhance learning and create engaging and effective student achievement through the use of technology. The plan is a powerful call to the state educational systems, school districts, administrators, educators, students and parents to wake up and do more. It states a clear vision as to where our nation should be and wants to be soon.
Office of Educational Technology United States Department of Education, (2010) Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology, National Educational Technology Plan 2010. Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/NETP-2010-final-report.pdf
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
District Technology Plan (Rio Grande City CISD)
Week 2 - Blog Post # 2 - District Technology Plan
The Rio Grande City CISD is the local school district in my area. The district serves an area which is 95.60% economically disadvantaged. The current Technology Plan serves for the school years 2009-2012. Like every school district in the State of Texas, their plan is aligned to meet the goals set forth in the Texas Long range Plan for Technology. The four key areas of the Long Range Plan are addressed by the district's technology plan. Their plan also details a strong needs assessment in which problem areas have been identified and recommendations are outlined in order to remedy the situation and provide for continuous improvement. The plan is put together through the collaborative efforts of Technology Planning Committee compromised of the Technology Department and technology representatives teams (teachers and parents). It is presented to principals and SBDM teams for reviews and changes.
In the area of Teaching and Learning the district will provide for the learning needs of the students by integrating the use of technology in expanded curriculum, ensure that students have access that enables their potential and increases their technology proficiencies. The plan also prepares each student to meet TEKS Technology Applications standards. Technology resources are also extended to provide parents the opportunity of technology education through district and/or grant funds. Currently the district has a 3:1 student to computer ratio and 100% of the classrooms have direct connection to the Internet. The plan also provides for an increase and creation of numerous computer labs for various campuses throughout the district.
Educator Preparation and Development is addressed in several areas of the plan. Outlined is a 30% budget allocation for professional development. It provides for opportunities to apply for technology teaching grants and training of all paraprofessional, technology technicians and auxiliary staff. The goals revolve around increasing of technology proficiencies by all staff in order to increase student learning and achievement.
Leadership, Administration and Support goals are to provide staff with the tools needed to accomplish planning, decision making, and administrative tasks. This includes integrating planning for technology in all campuses, providing adequate training, updating the district's website, and encouraging the expanded use of technology in the classroom. The district will continually evaluate the plan in order to meet the goals of the Long Range Plan.
Infrastructure for Technology goals are the lengthiest in the district's plan. The district is tasked with providing the most up to date technology to meet the needs of both educators and students. Goals include 3:1 student to workstation ration, a computer for every teacher, increased library computers, continued high speed Internet access, collaborations with local colleges and universities, seeking new technology grant applications, and networking new schools built in the district.
The plan is continuously evaluated by the district representatives once a month. They make recommendations to the principals and SBDM teams on effectiveness. Any needed adjustments to the plan will be through a coordinator effort in order to ensure technology is used to promote student learning and stay withing the key areas of the Texas Long range Plan for Technology.
The district is poised to strive and achieve Target Tech as outlined in the Texas STaR Chart . Although they are currently averaging Developing Tech and Advanced Tech in several areas they are continuously reaching to move beyond and establish a district with Target tech Status. The desired outcomes are set forth in a detailed timeline and are geared towards making students successful, technology literate and productive learners. Through integrated use of technology, resource availability, professional development administrative support and immense infrastructure the district will implement, evaluate and revise their technology plan as needed to insure that all goals are met.
The Rio Grande City CISD is the local school district in my area. The district serves an area which is 95.60% economically disadvantaged. The current Technology Plan serves for the school years 2009-2012. Like every school district in the State of Texas, their plan is aligned to meet the goals set forth in the Texas Long range Plan for Technology. The four key areas of the Long Range Plan are addressed by the district's technology plan. Their plan also details a strong needs assessment in which problem areas have been identified and recommendations are outlined in order to remedy the situation and provide for continuous improvement. The plan is put together through the collaborative efforts of Technology Planning Committee compromised of the Technology Department and technology representatives teams (teachers and parents). It is presented to principals and SBDM teams for reviews and changes.
In the area of Teaching and Learning the district will provide for the learning needs of the students by integrating the use of technology in expanded curriculum, ensure that students have access that enables their potential and increases their technology proficiencies. The plan also prepares each student to meet TEKS Technology Applications standards. Technology resources are also extended to provide parents the opportunity of technology education through district and/or grant funds. Currently the district has a 3:1 student to computer ratio and 100% of the classrooms have direct connection to the Internet. The plan also provides for an increase and creation of numerous computer labs for various campuses throughout the district.
Educator Preparation and Development is addressed in several areas of the plan. Outlined is a 30% budget allocation for professional development. It provides for opportunities to apply for technology teaching grants and training of all paraprofessional, technology technicians and auxiliary staff. The goals revolve around increasing of technology proficiencies by all staff in order to increase student learning and achievement.
Leadership, Administration and Support goals are to provide staff with the tools needed to accomplish planning, decision making, and administrative tasks. This includes integrating planning for technology in all campuses, providing adequate training, updating the district's website, and encouraging the expanded use of technology in the classroom. The district will continually evaluate the plan in order to meet the goals of the Long Range Plan.
Infrastructure for Technology goals are the lengthiest in the district's plan. The district is tasked with providing the most up to date technology to meet the needs of both educators and students. Goals include 3:1 student to workstation ration, a computer for every teacher, increased library computers, continued high speed Internet access, collaborations with local colleges and universities, seeking new technology grant applications, and networking new schools built in the district.
The plan is continuously evaluated by the district representatives once a month. They make recommendations to the principals and SBDM teams on effectiveness. Any needed adjustments to the plan will be through a coordinator effort in order to ensure technology is used to promote student learning and stay withing the key areas of the Texas Long range Plan for Technology.
The district is poised to strive and achieve Target Tech as outlined in the Texas STaR Chart . Although they are currently averaging Developing Tech and Advanced Tech in several areas they are continuously reaching to move beyond and establish a district with Target tech Status. The desired outcomes are set forth in a detailed timeline and are geared towards making students successful, technology literate and productive learners. Through integrated use of technology, resource availability, professional development administrative support and immense infrastructure the district will implement, evaluate and revise their technology plan as needed to insure that all goals are met.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Technology Assessments
Week 2 - Blog Post #1 - Technology Assessments
After reading through last week's readings it is evident that learning in the 21st century is definitely expanding due to the use of technology. The prime example is our master's program. An educator's technology leadership knowledge and skills is one of the pieces to the learning puzzle. It is important for educators to buy in to the use of technology in the classroom. Professional development for experienced teachers and classroom curriculum for novice educators is not only necessary but crucial. A student’s technology skills and knowledge also play an important role in the classroom. The level of computer literacy is necessary in order for operation, understanding and use of technology in the classroom. The infrastructure provided by the district will be a determining factor in both educator and student success. If the tools are not available then nothing can be built.
Buying into the district's technology plan is important by all players. Students, educators, administrators, parents and technology leaders all are important to the direction and role of technology. Just because we have technology in our districts, if it is not used in an effective manner and aligned with curriculum then it is of no importance.
There are pros and cons to assessments. On the positive side assessments try to measure the literacy of both the student and the educator. On the negative side they not only measure the literacy but also measure the weaknesses of many. All these should be taken into consideration when planning the use of technology with the curriculum. Effective teaching should be the final product of all the planning, shared vision, assessment and infrastructure in order to teach today's digital learners.
After reading through last week's readings it is evident that learning in the 21st century is definitely expanding due to the use of technology. The prime example is our master's program. An educator's technology leadership knowledge and skills is one of the pieces to the learning puzzle. It is important for educators to buy in to the use of technology in the classroom. Professional development for experienced teachers and classroom curriculum for novice educators is not only necessary but crucial. A student’s technology skills and knowledge also play an important role in the classroom. The level of computer literacy is necessary in order for operation, understanding and use of technology in the classroom. The infrastructure provided by the district will be a determining factor in both educator and student success. If the tools are not available then nothing can be built.
Buying into the district's technology plan is important by all players. Students, educators, administrators, parents and technology leaders all are important to the direction and role of technology. Just because we have technology in our districts, if it is not used in an effective manner and aligned with curriculum then it is of no importance.
There are pros and cons to assessments. On the positive side assessments try to measure the literacy of both the student and the educator. On the negative side they not only measure the literacy but also measure the weaknesses of many. All these should be taken into consideration when planning the use of technology with the curriculum. Effective teaching should be the final product of all the planning, shared vision, assessment and infrastructure in order to teach today's digital learners.
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