Educational Technology

I am creating this site for EDLD 5306 Concept of Educational Technology


Technology Assessments:

    The rapid growth of technology equipment on our school campuses has resulted in the need for teachers to understand when to use technology, why to use technology, and how to best utilize technology in their classrooms.  In many cases, teacher licensing and certification have not been able to keep up with the growing changes in technology.  There are 12 SREB states including Texas that have created technology standards that require levels of technology competency.  These are the SREB standards:

• Fundamental computer operations skills and understanding of technology concepts and terms
• Ability to use technology for personal research and communication
• Understanding of legal and ethical issues pertaining to computer use, such as how copyright applies to classroom software use and what additional safety measures may be needed in the classroom
• Ability to use computers in a variety of ways to integrate technology into classroom activities that support student learning

The hardest task for teachers is knowing how to integrate technology into their classroom instruction.  ISTE has developed Foundation Standards.  These standards are as follows and incorporate fundamental concepts and skills for utilizing information technology in the classroom settings:

• Basic Computer/Technology Operations and Concepts - Candidates will use computer systems to run software; to access; generate and manipulate data; and to publish results.  They also will evaluate performance of hardware and software and apply basic troubleshooting strategies as needed.
• Personal and Professional Use of Technology - Candidates will apply tools for their own professional growth and productivity.  They will use technology in communicating, conducting research and solving problems in addition, they will plan and participate in activities that encourage lifelong learning and will promote equitable, ethical and legal use of computer/technology resources.
• Application of Technology in Instruction - Candidates will apply computers and related technologies to support instruction in their grade level and subject areas.  They must plan deliver instructional units that integrate a variety of software, applications and learning tools.  Lessons developed must reflect effective grouping assessment strategies for diverse populations.

     ISTE has set the above standards for technology development and application in educational settings.  Teachers are expected to have to meet this criteria and standards of technology competency, but there must be technology training and professional development to help teachers to be able to utilize and integrate technology into their instruction.  Currently, the new Texas State Board for Educator Certification along with the Texas Education Agency is in the process of developing technology proficiency requirements for use in teacher licensing.  This will provide more quality training in ways and methods to integrate and utilize technology in the actual teaching process. 

    There are always challenges in keeping up with technology competency.  With the rapid growth of technology it is difficult to keep teachers up to date on the latest changes.  There are also challenges where teachers have lack of access to adequate technology equipment and software.  For example, there may be a teacher that participates in a software training inservice session.  If this teacher is not given the time to use these new skills that he or she learned in the training, they will not fully benefit from the software training session.

     One example of professional development that is currently working for teachers in Georgia is a new training process.  They use a training process called InTech.  This process focuses on training in the curriculum and teaching methods rather than just training in the technical skills areas.  Teachers are trained in intensive workshops and follow-up is a major portion of the process.  They have additional training sessions so that the skills are learned and then they follow-up to make sure that teachers understand fully how to use their new skills. 

    State technology standards can make a difference if they are used in conjuction with in-service training programs.  This needs to include technology standards in the teacher certification process.  Finally, if teachers meet all of these technology standards and will make it priority to integrate this technology into their classrooms - the result will be a learner-centered environment for all of our students.  In the end, this will definitely improve student achievement.