Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Web Conference Recording 3/23/11
After several attempts in entering a web conference, I was unsuccessful. I decided to go back and watch and read the recordings of, March 23, 2011. This particular conference started with many questions are integrating technology in the classroom. Many students mentioned that there just was not enough time in their schedule to plan for technology use. Dr. Cummings made it clear that it is the law that by the 8th grade all student must be introduced to technology. Students were frustrated at the limits set on technology use. For example, the filters are so tight that teachers are unable to view many educational websites. Dr. Cummings said that is a difficult one and it depends on the schools filter settings. Collegues continued to list their concerns and ideas: cell phone usage, blogs being blocked, students access to computers and internet at home, administration not will to take a leap with technology. Dr. Cummings suggested Project Share and to see if our district has access to it. My eyes were opened to the amount of technology that teachers have access to at their schools. The amount of knowledge that most of my collegues had regarding current technology tools was jaw dropping. This knowledge and experience is so beneficial to the students. I love what one of the members of the conference said, "The best way to keep up with changing times is to ask the students. They know EVERYTHING" This web conference was a knew experience for. I gathered many ideas and new technology tools that I was unaware of.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Technology Action Plan
Bradley Copass – Maintain hardware and software inventories including licensing and securing of software media. He is in charge of all technology budget decisions and offers assistance in choosing technology equipment and materials.
Barbara Trudeau – Assists teachers in using and integrating technology in the classroom. She designs and coordinates all instructional technology workshops and researching for our district.
Andy Cellars – Oversees that the high school meets its goals and objectives. He oversees all academic programs, develops budget, directs curriculum to prepare students for graduation, and oversees staff performance. This includes monitoring the progress of the integration of technology into the student’s daily instruction.
Marlene Monk – Along with assisting in administering the school she is the Career Technical Education Director. She oversees all CTE teacher, CTE budget and assists with CTE PEIMS.
Debbie Reautelhuber – She analyzes educational materials and programs. She coordinates textbook review as well as instructional software review. She is also TAKS coordinator for the district.
Debra Arvin – She teaches Pre-Calculus and Calculus to Juniors and Seniors.
Barbara Trudeau – Assists teachers in using and integrating technology in the classroom. She designs and coordinates all instructional technology workshops and researching for our district.
Andy Cellars – Oversees that the high school meets its goals and objectives. He oversees all academic programs, develops budget, directs curriculum to prepare students for graduation, and oversees staff performance. This includes monitoring the progress of the integration of technology into the student’s daily instruction.
Marlene Monk – Along with assisting in administering the school she is the Career Technical Education Director. She oversees all CTE teacher, CTE budget and assists with CTE PEIMS.
Debbie Reautelhuber – She analyzes educational materials and programs. She coordinates textbook review as well as instructional software review. She is also TAKS coordinator for the district.
Debra Arvin – She teaches Pre-Calculus and Calculus to Juniors and Seniors.
Week 4 Assignment, Part 2: Professional Development Planning
As mentioned in week three, our district began using Eduphoria, data collection software this year. As our districts strive to be exemplary at all campuses, Eduphoria can provide all TAKS test scores of students, any special education modifications, and 504 modifications. Teachers have charts to compare students previous years of TAKS tests scores or over all scoring of a particular subject. This is very useful to TAKS preparation for all teachers. They are able to keep all documentation on every student in Eduphoria allowing other teachers or administrators access.
Along with this new software, the High School received Promethean boards in every classroom this year. Promethean boards provide a creative interactive learning technology improving the engagement and learning for all students. This also opened up a variety of lesson plans to utilize with the interactive boards.
When introducing both of these new technologies to the staff, training by professionals would be provided. Beyond just a typical sit and watch training, I would make each professional development interactive, allowing teacher to use the software as they learned. We would be in a computer lab and all teachers would access Eduphoria and work through the site with mock students. This would provide a sense of comfort as they gain a new understanding and knowledge of a data collection device. Along the same lines, the Promethean board training would be interactive as well. Teacher would work through lessons using the board, just as a student would. This type of hands-on-training can be the most effective way for teachers to understand and get excited about new technology options for their classroom.
Week 4 Assignment, Part 3: Evaluation Planning for Action Plan
Our District Improvement Plan states, under Goal 4: AISD will continue to implement and develop curriculum programs to improve the academic needs of the students. One of the strategies of this goal is the implementation of the Eduphoria data collection system. With this new system, I would assign Mrs.Trudeau the task of training all new teachers. Mrs, Monk would be responsible for evaluating the progress of the Eduphoria in each department. She could meet with department head to get updates on the use and effectiveness of the data collection software. Departments could meet and compare data and plans of action to improve TAKS scores.
Along with meeting with department heads, Mrs. Ruetelhuber could visit classrooms to ensure proper usage of the software and ensure that data is being evaluated correctly. After data is collected each department could meet with an administrator to assess the data and determine the best plan in preparing students for standardized testing.
Another activity under goal 4 stated in the District Improvement Plan is the integration of Promethean Boards in every high school classroom. After professional development training on the basic functions of the interactive boards I would first, give teachers the rest of the workday to get comfortable using the boards. This would allow teachers time to discover new features and accumulate questions for the next training that our Technology Director, Bradly Copass would provide. This training would be more advanced, incorporating various lesson plans in each department.
After all trainings were provided, I would send out surveys on the effectiveness of the training, did teachers have a clear understanding and knowledge of the interactive boards after the training, were the lesson plans useful and challenging, etc. After all data is collected, I would make classroom visits and observe the usage of the Promethean Boards in all classrooms. We would continue the advancement of training on software and updating of all lesson plans as necessary. These activities may seem small, but in our small, high economically disadvantaged population this integration of technology is HUGE. As the world of technology continues to advance, change and challenge so will our training, our lesson plans, and our integration of new technologies.
As mentioned in week three, our district began using Eduphoria, data collection software this year. As our districts strive to be exemplary at all campuses, Eduphoria can provide all TAKS test scores of students, any special education modifications, and 504 modifications. Teachers have charts to compare students previous years of TAKS tests scores or over all scoring of a particular subject. This is very useful to TAKS preparation for all teachers. They are able to keep all documentation on every student in Eduphoria allowing other teachers or administrators access.
Along with this new software, the High School received Promethean boards in every classroom this year. Promethean boards provide a creative interactive learning technology improving the engagement and learning for all students. This also opened up a variety of lesson plans to utilize with the interactive boards.
When introducing both of these new technologies to the staff, training by professionals would be provided. Beyond just a typical sit and watch training, I would make each professional development interactive, allowing teacher to use the software as they learned. We would be in a computer lab and all teachers would access Eduphoria and work through the site with mock students. This would provide a sense of comfort as they gain a new understanding and knowledge of a data collection device. Along the same lines, the Promethean board training would be interactive as well. Teacher would work through lessons using the board, just as a student would. This type of hands-on-training can be the most effective way for teachers to understand and get excited about new technology options for their classroom.
Week 4 Assignment, Part 3: Evaluation Planning for Action Plan
Our District Improvement Plan states, under Goal 4: AISD will continue to implement and develop curriculum programs to improve the academic needs of the students. One of the strategies of this goal is the implementation of the Eduphoria data collection system. With this new system, I would assign Mrs.Trudeau the task of training all new teachers. Mrs, Monk would be responsible for evaluating the progress of the Eduphoria in each department. She could meet with department head to get updates on the use and effectiveness of the data collection software. Departments could meet and compare data and plans of action to improve TAKS scores.
Along with meeting with department heads, Mrs. Ruetelhuber could visit classrooms to ensure proper usage of the software and ensure that data is being evaluated correctly. After data is collected each department could meet with an administrator to assess the data and determine the best plan in preparing students for standardized testing.
Another activity under goal 4 stated in the District Improvement Plan is the integration of Promethean Boards in every high school classroom. After professional development training on the basic functions of the interactive boards I would first, give teachers the rest of the workday to get comfortable using the boards. This would allow teachers time to discover new features and accumulate questions for the next training that our Technology Director, Bradly Copass would provide. This training would be more advanced, incorporating various lesson plans in each department.
After all trainings were provided, I would send out surveys on the effectiveness of the training, did teachers have a clear understanding and knowledge of the interactive boards after the training, were the lesson plans useful and challenging, etc. After all data is collected, I would make classroom visits and observe the usage of the Promethean Boards in all classrooms. We would continue the advancement of training on software and updating of all lesson plans as necessary. These activities may seem small, but in our small, high economically disadvantaged population this integration of technology is HUGE. As the world of technology continues to advance, change and challenge so will our training, our lesson plans, and our integration of new technologies.
After reading Savannah's Technology Action Plan on our discussion board, I found her layout to be easy to read, follow and evaluate. her technology integration plan was challenging for both students and educators.
After reading Julio's Technology Action Plan, I really liked the suggestion of teachers making walk throughs to see how other teachers are using technology in the classroom.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Texas STaR Chart
Check out my summary of the Texas STaR Chart Presentation for Anna High School:
Texas star chart
View more presentations from jenrkelley.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
NETP - Learning Powered by Technology
The National Education Technology Plan, Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology, states that, “technology is at the core of virtually every aspect of our daily live and work”. With this said, we must move forward in giving our students a meaningful, engaging experience in the classroom. The plan calls for applying technologies that we use every day in our professional and personal lives to our classrooms to better student experiences. Schools have to expand technology uses in the classroom to offer competitive, challenging experiences for all students. There are five goals for state, district, government and stakeholders are divided into five areas: learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure and productivity.
The first goal, learning, calls for all students to receive a more challenging and empowering learning experience outside of school and inside. Students need to be prepared for this competitive and technological society by being creative, active and knowledgeable. It is recommended to meet this goal; we must offer opportunities for all learners to access technology anywhere and anytime. The STEM program should be encouraged and enhanced to enhance and develop new methodologies. As we advance in these powerful learning experiences, our students will receive a truly advanced opportunity to excel.
Teaching is the next goal of focus. All educators will be provided opportunities to receive learning technology experiences in order to enhance, inspire and challenge all students. Teacher will have access to data, content, resources, and expertise to technology either individually or in groups. It is recommended that online learning communities are developed for collaboration with other professionals so that learning is encouraged and enhanced. By using technology in areas that it is not normally provide, we are provide more options for students at every level.
The next goal, assessment states that our education systems will influence the power of technology to measure and assess data for continuous growth. Assessment gives teachers, students and other stakeholders opportunity to provide feedback about the development and improvement of technology practices in the classroom. The STaR chart is one option for this that most schools participate in.
By providing access to an infrastructure for students and educators when they need it, additional learning can take place outside of school rather than just in school. Due to budget issues, every student in most districts don’t have access to an Internet device outside of school. I would like to be optimistic about this, but I just don’t see how our district can provide this for every student.
The last of these goals, productivity, clearly calls for more efficient and effective use of time, money, and staff in regards to using technology to improve learning. It is recommended that we rethink and improve general assumptions in education to improve learning for every student. By defining “productivity” in education, we can provide a more meaningful and relevant experience or learning outcomes and costs.
The goals stated above are current, reachable and optimistic for technology in our education system.
The first goal, learning, calls for all students to receive a more challenging and empowering learning experience outside of school and inside. Students need to be prepared for this competitive and technological society by being creative, active and knowledgeable. It is recommended to meet this goal; we must offer opportunities for all learners to access technology anywhere and anytime. The STEM program should be encouraged and enhanced to enhance and develop new methodologies. As we advance in these powerful learning experiences, our students will receive a truly advanced opportunity to excel.
Teaching is the next goal of focus. All educators will be provided opportunities to receive learning technology experiences in order to enhance, inspire and challenge all students. Teacher will have access to data, content, resources, and expertise to technology either individually or in groups. It is recommended that online learning communities are developed for collaboration with other professionals so that learning is encouraged and enhanced. By using technology in areas that it is not normally provide, we are provide more options for students at every level.
The next goal, assessment states that our education systems will influence the power of technology to measure and assess data for continuous growth. Assessment gives teachers, students and other stakeholders opportunity to provide feedback about the development and improvement of technology practices in the classroom. The STaR chart is one option for this that most schools participate in.
By providing access to an infrastructure for students and educators when they need it, additional learning can take place outside of school rather than just in school. Due to budget issues, every student in most districts don’t have access to an Internet device outside of school. I would like to be optimistic about this, but I just don’t see how our district can provide this for every student.
The last of these goals, productivity, clearly calls for more efficient and effective use of time, money, and staff in regards to using technology to improve learning. It is recommended that we rethink and improve general assumptions in education to improve learning for every student. By defining “productivity” in education, we can provide a more meaningful and relevant experience or learning outcomes and costs.
The goals stated above are current, reachable and optimistic for technology in our education system.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology Reflection
The Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology addresses four key areas: Infrastructure for Technology, Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development, and Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support. Goals have been set in place where all students should have their own workstation. The short term goal is that the ratio is three students to every workstation. Just having access to technology is not enough. The resources need to be available for all learners and educators to grow and apply the knowledge. Some initiatives that have been put into place are: increase funding for technology, technology allotment toward textbook funds, and allotment providing $30 per student. As educators pursue distance learning for technology, I would think funding would need to be reviewed and revised for this. I did not see any mention of this in the report. Educators and administrators need paid professional time off for training, professional development, and instructional management in integrating technology into the classrooms. I believe this training must be ongoing. Technology is always changing and therefore educators and learner must remain current.
The report indicates that there are several initiatives that are in place. One that stands out to me is TENET, The Texas Education Network providing services to public schools through electronic network resources. Our districts just started to purchase ebooks for all campuses. They are in the process of developing a website for all the ebooks so teachers and students can access them from home. I was told that this was a very cost effective infrastructure.
The Long-Range Plan for Technology set a timeline of event and accomplishments. According to the report, great efforts and actions have taken place to better improve technology in education.
The report indicates that there are several initiatives that are in place. One that stands out to me is TENET, The Texas Education Network providing services to public schools through electronic network resources. Our districts just started to purchase ebooks for all campuses. They are in the process of developing a website for all the ebooks so teachers and students can access them from home. I was told that this was a very cost effective infrastructure.
The Long-Range Plan for Technology set a timeline of event and accomplishments. According to the report, great efforts and actions have taken place to better improve technology in education.
Long Range Plan for Technology - Teaching and Learning
There are four areas within the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; or Infrastructure for Technology. The area I would like to focus on is Teaching and Learning. This area focuses on meeting our student’s needs through technology and distant learning. It recognizes that teachers need to be preparing to teach students the technical skills and knowledge needed to be successful and productive members of society. As technological skills become more complex, TEA has given us recommendations on how to meet these technology needs for our students. As teachers expand their knowledge and their confidence in technology, students will reap the benefits of their knowledge. I feel that my district is truly preparing our students in this area by offering a variety of options in technology classes and dual credit classes. We are also implementing TEKS that integrate technology into learning and teaching. Another area of focus is expanding the technology tools and options for students, parents, teachers, and the community to expand and advance learning experiences. Our district could improve in this area by offering after school training for new technological tools.
I believe that many districts are showing progress in the teaching and learning of technology due to the rapid growth. Districts have to jump on board or students, teachers, parents, communities and administrator will get left behind. TEA is taking action by: Updating TEKS to integrate technology into all curriculums, establish standards and expectations for technology proficiencies by teachers, and raise expectations for technology advancement for teachers, students, parents and communities. Similar recommendations are made for regional and local agencies. From a future leader stand point, I feel that as fast as technology is advancing that the state, regional and local agencies are taking action to increase, implement and improve technology in the classroom to enhance learning.
I believe that many districts are showing progress in the teaching and learning of technology due to the rapid growth. Districts have to jump on board or students, teachers, parents, communities and administrator will get left behind. TEA is taking action by: Updating TEKS to integrate technology into all curriculums, establish standards and expectations for technology proficiencies by teachers, and raise expectations for technology advancement for teachers, students, parents and communities. Similar recommendations are made for regional and local agencies. From a future leader stand point, I feel that as fast as technology is advancing that the state, regional and local agencies are taking action to increase, implement and improve technology in the classroom to enhance learning.
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