Week One Assignment: Part 2

After completing the Technology Inventory, I realize that my strength is in using technology for information acquisition. I felt fairly confident about my skills while answering "yes" after "yes". But, I realized that I have a long way to go in the more technical uses of applications. However, comparing myself to my peers (since I am not a teacher, but a Special Education coordinator)- I feel that I use technology to often and well. I am an informal leader in the group for technological questions. Sure, I have a lot to learn but I am not nearly as resistant to its use as my peers. For someone who is not employed by the technology department, I am doing okay!

As I completed the SEDTA survey on a building level, I have the desire to describe our school/district to you. I am fortunate to be employed in the most wealthy community in the Dallas area and one of the wealthiest communities in Texas. Our technological means are far beyond what I have seen in other districts. We have wireless laptops for all of our students. We also have a Promethean Boards (interactive electronic board) with “Acti-vote” in each classroom. Each of our teachers has a website, most have podcast of classes, and some have twitter accounts for their class. Technology is a formal part of our grade level curriculum for each grade and students are assessed on their proficiency and ethical use of it. They utilize online-curricula. Not to mention, they have access to the latest technology at home as well.

What we do not have is collection of measurable data showing that this enhances learning or engagement. We do have an understanding of how technology should be used, but because it is so embedded in our daily instruction and routines, we do not collect data on the practices or mandate minimum uses.

Goals to improve my technological knowledge would be to attend staff development addressing the deeper knowledge of technology processes and how that knowledge can enhance my job performance.

I do agree with the surveys. Sure, I have a lot to learn but I am not nearly as resistant to its use as my peers. For someone who is not employed by the technology department, I am doing okay!