Technology Infrastructure and App

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Technology Readiness and the STaR Chart

The recent changes to the technology readiness have had a profoundly positive impact on the exposure to a wide range of platforms for the students.  Some of the notable additions have been a Distance Learning Lab, the addition of three up to date computer labs, and network drops with installed data projects in each classroom.  The case can be made that the campus is headed in the right direction and in line with vision Texas has for its public schools with regards to technology.  Each classroom is prepared to accept smart board technology and has the ability to podcast lectures for students to access off campus.    Teachers and students can also share files, and teachers have the capability to accept assignments and projects electronically.  One major flaw in the planning is the lack of meaningful training on this equipment.  Much of the inservice has focused on strategies, and learning theory.  An organized methodical series of sessions on the available technology on campus would serve both teachers and students well.  This series of technology training should begin with training on windows, and the office suite of programs.  Followed with an orientation on the distance learning lab,and what opportunities are now available with its presence.  On campus are many hand held recording and probing devices for the purposes of gathering data.  A department oriented training I believe would be appropriate for those.

Technology Curriculum

Effectivly instucting students to use hardware and software applications beign with an understanding of the design and construction . A good foundation in computer construction, and coding language not only provides a functional understanding of the equipment but also give the user a sense of autonomy.
Having a framework for evaluating information aquired throuhg digital media must also be modeled. Computers and data probes are information producing machines and often times the overwhelming amount of data can overshadow what is desired or discovered.

Comments on the Long Range Plan

The TEA has long rage plan for technology integration with a very broad scope. I conclude the desired otucome is to have a tchnologically literate populus, which has a solid foundation in software and hardware applications. As a campus leader it is critical to model competent integration of technology.
If Teachers are expected to to increasingly include technology into thier lesson plans, they campus climate, infrastructure and trainging opportunites must be all intact prior to the the push. With a reliable source of financing and a common shared vision of technology use in the classroom, the typical Texas classroom can move forward inthe 21st century.

Technology at my Campus Week 1

Technology is loosely used term that most of us attach to computer literacy. With the continued development of the Internet and file sharing what you know about software and computing today may very well be out of date by tomorrow. Much of the knowledge and many of the skills I have developed are becoming increasingly obsolete. Upon completion of a comprehensive technology analysis I have come to a few conclusions.
On my campus I there is an obvious effort to continually introduce new technology into the classroom. The campus administration is very open and willing to automation in every aspect of campus management as possible. In addition the number of student computer labs have expanded making available workstations for student projects. The infrastructure for a technologically literate campus is in place and updated. However, where I think we fall short is in the area of time and training.
Faculty will integrate this equipment into their daily plans as much as possible if they are sure they know how it operates, and what its limitations are. I have not observed an adequate in service time commitment to facilitate this level of comfort. Often our in service can be boiled down into data analysis and how to improve test scores.
Infrastructure is sound and constantly updated, however a broad competency on this equipment does not exist. Time for training and exploration is what our campus technology plan lacks.