Technology Assessments

Technology Assessments

Participating in the Technology Applications Inventory and SETDA survey was an enlightening process which provided direction and goals for professional growth related to technology. Both assessments helped raise awareness of strengths and weaknesses of how technology is utilized for professional and instructional needs.

The first assessment was broken down into domains which included: foundations, information acquisition, solving problems with technology tools and communication. The strengths would be the extent to which technology is currently being used to create and save documents, sharing information with other teachers, utilizing different formats for saving information and acquiring information needed to improve instructional experience for students.

The weaknesses of the first assess would first be a lacking in technical language. Most of the functions and abilities listed are already being used, however I didn't know the names for them. Because most of what is taught on computers is through trial and error, official terms are sometimes lose in the process of learning. There is also great need to better utilize video as part of instruction. There are countless videos available online that would be great for class, however not being able to manage and deliver that information to students is a weakness that needs immediate attention. The second assessment provided enough goals to last to retirement.

The SETDA teacher survey could make the most confident of teachers using technology in the classroom doubt their commitment. The strengths in my situation would be the commitment of our district to meeting the needs of the 21st century student. By providing every teacher with a laptop, mobi and updated software, teachers are better prepared to involve students in technology. The weaknesses identified in the SETDA survey also provided a vision for professional goals and instructional improvements. Having students produce technology as part of a class project is a necessary part of engaging the students of today. They should be creating word documents, presentations with power point, electronic portfolios and video products. Giving these opportunities to students and collaborating with teachers online are two ways I would like to grow professionally.

I believe both assessments were useful in spotlighting strengths and weaknesses. The assessments were also instrumental in helping me understand all that I should know and should be doing in my class. Finally, I felt the assessments were useful in creating priorities and goals for further training and professional development.