SISD E-Rate Presentation

E-Rate Presentation

View more presentations from jlk001

Technology Assessments

My district, Sheldon ISD uses both informal and formal data collection in order to determine district technology needs.  Technology tools and the resources available through the use of these tools are indeed seamlessly integrated and unquestionably valued into our daily lives.  We are to find that there are administrative needs, educator needs, and student needs.

Administrative Needs:

Technical and instructional skills for teacher support and student technology needs

Accountability for providing teachers time to learn to integrate technology into classrooms

Adequate resources to make technology an integral part of the administrative and instructional system 

Educator Needs:

Improving productivity through technology education to support student technology needs

Use of quality web-based activities with students

On-going staff development related to integrating technology to promote higher-order thinking skills

Resources to make technology an integral part of administrative and instructional systems

Professional development devoted to web-based lessons and online teaching

Accountability for integrating technology into all areas of instruction

Technology equipment including digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, interactive white boards, scanners, and graphing calculators 

Student Needs:

Student mastery of technology applications

Integrated curriculum in order to use technology as a tool in the learning process

Connectivity and hardware resources that support effective communication and instruction

Knowledge and skills to be successful in the current and future Digital Age

Technology equipment including digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, interactive white boards, scanners, and graphing calculators

Finally, technology supports a many cognitive styles and learning behaviors.  Technology can be used to translate virtually any content into another media, and therefore makes content accessible to all students.

National Educational Technology Plan

The National Education Technology Plan 2010 was created by The Obama administration.  It has two goals.  The first goal addresses the need for higher education.  The second goal is to see that all the students graduate that from high school are prepared to succeed in college or their career.  The NETP model of 21st century learning has set goals and recommendations for this to happen.  The five areas are Learning, Assessment, Teaching, Infrastructure, and Productivity.  Immediate changes must begin so these goals can be met by the year 2020.  The teacher must meet the needs of the 21st century learner.  They must be flexible and individualize instruction for each student.  Professional development must be a continuing process.  Teachers need support while learning to become good facilitators.  The Grand Challenge plan is to establish an integrated system that will provide current access to learning and provide low cost assessments.  Online and offline learning must be efficient.  I believe there is always room for improvement in the educational system.  But it is hard to see what changes may come by the year 2020.  We are in tough times now, and that maybe a continuing trend but things could change along with our educational system.   The real plan is for others to tweak and follow is probably the best we can do right now, including acting positive in these times.

Web Conference, 7/20/2011

I attended my first web conference for EDLD 5306 on Wednesday night (7/2/2011).  I found it to be a quite informational and profitable experience.  It was nice to practically see my professor in person, and not have to worry about environmental factors.  This is much more convenient than having to prepare physically for class.  No one likes to have to get up early and shower and prep for one class.  Not to mention trying to find a parking spot!  It was also good to talk to other students having removed a lot of uncomfortable factors.  Professor Daryl was great as she answered every question thoroughly.  It was nice that she allowed us to have so much access to her during this time for suggestions or questions.

Sheldon ISD Technology Plan

My school district, Sheldon ISD, and I believe that technology is a tool to be used for motivating all learners and encompassing various learning styles.  Technology is also a tool for classroom use which should be provided to enhance instruction provided by the classroom teachers.  Access to the reality of our world is important to the learning opportunities of all learners.  Consequently, connectivity is an integral part of the instructional environment.  Full integration of technology into the classroom will enhance student’s learning in all ways.  This requires the support for staff and students in strategies and methods required to promote such integration.  Technology training is given to staff in monthly meetings to each campus and the district also provides various training seminars throughout the school year.  As the instructional technology specialist for one of the campuses I feel it is essential for teachers, students, and staff to understand and practice ethical use of technology.  The Texas Campus STaR Chart is used to evaluate the progress towards meeting the goals of the Long-Range Plan for Technology.  The chart can also be used for technology planning, budgeting for resources, and evaluation of progress in technology projects.  This technology plan that was created is aligned with district, state, and national goals.  Practical funding sources for Sheldon ISD include the State Technology Allotment, Title II Part D funds, various grant funds, and other local funds.