Week 1: Part 1

After finishing the surveys, I wanted to post my reflections and thoughts about my technology proficiency. First of all, I thought I was pretty comfortable around a computer until I took these surveys. I still think I am decent with a computer, but I am not familiar with the formal jargon or specifics involved with it. I would have to say the primary usage for computers in my life is for email. I use it for work and for personal use. All teachers on my campus have email accounts. The second technology usage that is common among the people I know is the use of Facebook for personal use and Excel and Powerpoint for presentation usage. In regards to the "Technology Applications Inventory," I would say that the communciation component is the strongest on my campus. The Foundations component is an area of weakness for me as I am not famililar with the specifics of how my computer operates. I feel more comfortable with information acquisition and problem solving with technology. As far as in our school, I do feel that we have many technology pieces available and my district has done a good job at offering training to use these tools. Unfortunately, I think that the technology is only as good as the user using it and if it is not used regularly, then those skills are not as sharp as they could be.

Teachers in my school have access to many forms of technology such as computers (both desktop and laptop) and computer programs, digital cameras, PDA's, and document cameras. Most commonly used are programs such as Compass Learning, Eduphoria (Aware and Forethought components), Comic Life, Kidspiration/Inspiration, and online textbook resources. We also have access to "clicker systems," and smartboards, but these tools are most commonly used by the same teachers over and over again.

Our teachers are expected to maintain a webpage that is updated regularly, and our students do have keyboarding requirements at certain grade levels. Computers are used for accessing the library resources, teacher and student portfolios, research, and various district access sites such as payroll, ITTCS, and RTI databases. As far as data is concerned, I do feel that we are a data rich district, but I feel like our teachers are weak in using that data to make changes in instructional practices.

I am aware of the TEKS for technology, but I do not feel that we are doing our best to integrate those skills into our core subjects in the classroom. I think technology is still viewed as a separate skill even though many of our students are more proficient that our teachers. I think the teacher's insecurity in using technology is what holds back a student's success in using it.