Summary of Multimedia TEKS for grades 9-12

According to the 126.2 Technology Application, Kindergarten-Grade 2 TEKS, the foundation for basic hardware and software knowledge is laid. Students are expected an early age to master basic technology terminology and technology use skills. The TEKS for Multimedia offer a clear escalation of various tools and techniques. For example, 126.26 1(I) says that students identify and distinguish different sound editing principals. TEKS 126.26 2(D) continues with knowing the difference among audio input. Throughout the TEKS there is first a foundation laid for managing and manipulating audio files. As you move thought he curriculum, students will go from identifying audio principals to altering audio files to creating original audio files to capturing, recording and integrating specific sound files to publishing and sharing audio files. This is a definite spiraling curriculum where a basic foundation is first laid for students to advancing to much more advanced techniques.

My Thoughts on Long-Range Plan for Technology

After reviewing over the Long-Range Plan for Technology I was surprised and impressed to find that such advanced plans were in place for the future of technology in education. In the section, Defining our Need for Change, the recognition of the need for the advancement of technology and need for change in education is crucial in order to truly prepare students for post secondary successes. Just as important is educator preparation and development. Continual professional development is important in order to keep up with technology and to keep our curriculum current. With the goals of infrastructure for technology; students and teachers will be able to expand their knowledge and growth beyond the classroom.

Survey Comparisons

After completing the Technology Applications Inventory check list, I was not surprised to find out that my most proficient area of understanding was that of Domain I: Foundations. I feel that out of the eighteen different questions, I could honestly answer yes to sixteen of them. This show about a 97% level of understanding of the criteria of technology foundations. After taking a closer look at these eighteen foundation questions, I would have to agree with the survey results, and say that this is probably my strongest area of knowledge, most in part to every-day functions in this area. However, due to my subject area, Business Technology, I scored proficient in all four areas of the TAI survey. Not only do I use technology in my classroom, I utilize it when communicating with parents, staff and administration, whether in an email or presentation.
After completing the SETDA Teacher Survey, again, I was not surprised to find that I scored proficient in most areas. I was, however, surprised to not find my subject area on page 3 of the survey. I teach second and third year technology classes and try to incorporate many of the core subject areas in class lessons and projects. I believe it is crucial to apply real world experience in my classroom in order to prepare my students for their technological challenging future.
When reviewing the data from the Technology Application Inventory survey, the results show that in Domain: Solving Problems is by far my greatest weakness. I agree that this is my largest area concern primarily in using interactive virtual environments, like virtual reality or simulations, using technical writing strategies to create instructional guides, and participating in electronic communities. The data from the State Educational Technology Directors Association survey, indicates that while I use technology daily, we are limited due to lack of access to many items mentioned. We are in the process of changing this. :)