Texas STaR Chart- Teaching and Learning

The area of Teaching and Learning according to the Texas STaR Chart has 6 componets.  They are:

• patterns of classroom use
• frequency/design of instructional setting using digital content
• content area connections
• technology applications
• student mastery of technology and
• online learning

Our local progress in this area is low.  Over the past three years we have scored Developint Tech according to the Texas STaR Chart. 
Patterns of use:  According to the STaR Chart this means that on our campus teachers primary use technology to direct discussion.  I would disagree due to the fact that out of the 30 teachers on our campus on 3 of them Elmo's and projectors to use to direct any discussion so that all students could see and participate in them.  Since we are a Primary campus (Pre-K though First Grade)  Our students are at a stage when they would need to see to benifit. 

Freqency and Design:  The findings also state that most teachers have regular weekly access to the use of technology.  I would agree with this.  We do have a computer lab and every class is scheduled to attend each week. 

Content area Connection:  Most teachers use technology to support content objectives.  I would disagree with this finding again not only do we not have access to most forms of technology but we have had no training to incoporate technology in the classroom.  What is being used is self learned.

Technology applications:  Teachers are aware of the TEKS and appropriate use them in their content area.  I would agree that the teachers are aware of our Technology TEKS and address them adequetly. 

Student Mastery of Technology:  Within each grade level TEKS are mastered by 26-50% of students.  I would agree that this is taking place within our campus.

Online learning:  Most teachers customize several web-based lessons which include TEK based content.  I would disagree a few teachers meet this criteria. 

As I compared our local STaR Chart Scores to the State wide scores It seems that over the past four years the majority of schools have scored Developing Tech in this area.  I feel that this is probably due to funding.  While purchasing the neccessary equipment: computers, ELMOS, Smartboards etc is expensive upfront it can and will be benificially in the long run.  Technology once initual purchased and training provided is a way provide more for our students and staff at a lower expense overall. 

Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS

Pre-K students have much to gain from the use of technology.  By using age appropriate software they are able to enhance their learning envioronment.  If they software is age appropriate than it will enrich the child's learning. 
Pre-K students are expected to learn the basic functions of a computer.
The child:

• starts, uses, and exits software program 
• uses a variety of input devices, such as mouse, keyboard, voice/sound recorder, or touch screen 
• begins to use technical terminology, such as “mouse,” “keyboard,” “printer,” and “CD-ROM”
• follows basic oral or pictorial cues for operating programs successfully
• enjoys listening to and interacting with storybooks and information texts (e.g., multimedia encyclopedia) in electronic forms
• uses a variety of software packages with audio, video, and graphics to enhance learning experiences (e.g., improving vocabulary, increasing phonological awareness).

These TEKS set the foundation for the basic computer skills that are required all the way through highschool.  This spiraling set of TEKS allows students many years of mastery of these skills.  Every grade level the TEKS begin with the same foundation that was begun in Pre-K. 

 

Analysis of the Long-Range Plan

I am excited at all the technology goals the State of Texas has for us.  While they are lengthy and in depth I am proud that our State is raising the standards to meet the needs of the 21st century student.  So many things go into the Long-Range Plan.  I really like that we are thinking about students individual needs and not looking at them as a one plan fits all.  The 21st centrury learner needs their content to be individualized. They are already technology savvy. The realilty is that they will be using technology that is not only digital but has not yet been invented. 
Technology is powerful and can impact students learning.  However, without proper teacher preparation the goal will be lost.   Teachers must learn to use and incorporate technology in their classrooms. Professional development in this area is a must.  If you only give them the equipement but do not train them on not only how to use it but the importance and student benifits all will be lost.  I believe that the majority of teachers want what is best for their students.  If they know that technology is a powerful tool that can boost student performance, help them to be more engaged, and provide them with more opportunities such as dual credit and advanced placement, they will be willing to learn and use this technology. 

My new learning of this long-range plan has set the foundation for how I, as an instructional leader ,will guide the use of technology on my campus.  I feel that leaders must set the standards for what they expect from others.  Leaders must do exactly that “lead” others to see the possibilities that come with technology. They must be using technology themselves with the faculty as well as for student data. 
It is also important that Administration  fund and provide the use of technology in schools to give our students the best chance to respond to the educational challenges set before them.

Technology assesments week 1

Technology is an area that I feel weak in.  The Technology Appliction Inventory is broken down into 4 differeint domains.  The first domain is Foundations.  There were 18 questions in this domain and I only answered yes to 6 of them.  My strengths in this domain are:

• that I am able to perform basic software application functions,
•  I am proficient in the use of  a variety of  imput devices
• I can keyboard proficiently
• I use the correct digitial keyboarding standards
• I know that all work is copyrighted
• And I am aware of the copyright Law of 1976

As for the rest of the questions in the Foundations domain I answered no.  I realize that their are many areas that I need to learn and grow in.

The Second Domain is Information Acquisition.  Their were 10 questions in this categorey and I answered yes to 3. 

• I can identify and use text files
• I can identifiy and use image, audio, and video files
• I can access and use online help and other documentation

I have a few basic skills but again there is room to grow and learn.

The Third domain is Solving Problems with Technolgoy Tools.  There are 18 questions in this domain and I answered yes to 10 of them.  In this category I had a majority of strengths.  The areas that I need to improve in consist mostly in

• spreadsheets
• graphic tools
• charts
• virtual environments
• Technical writing
• electronic communities
• Track trends and
• Comparison of data

The last domain in this inventory is Communication.  There were 12 questions and I answered yes to 8 of them.  Communication seems to be my strongest area.  This is most likely due to the fact that I use many of these skills in my personal use as well as school use.   Areas for improving would be:

• Spreadsheets
• telecommunication tools
• tracking trends
• employ technolgy specification  to evaluate projects etc.

The areas that I need to grow and learn in seem to be simiular and overlapping in each domain.  I found this to be true in the second survey as well.  The SETDA Teacher Survey looked more closely at what skills I am using specifically at school.  Our school does not have a strong emphasis on technogy at this point.  We do not currently use our computers for report cards, assesments, or other data collection.  I do have the use of an ELMO in my classroom because I wrote a grant for one.  Very few teachers have an ELMO and projector in our classrooms.  All classrooms due have 3 student computers and every class does have use of the computer lab once a week for 30 minutes.  It is one of my goals to continue to write grants for technology devices and use them in the classroom to help extend the learning of each of my students. 

I agree with the assesments.  They confirmed what I already knew about my technolgoy skills and helped remind me their are many ways I need to improve.