Technology assessments in Week 1

This class started with a very interesting assignment, we were asked to take a couple of technology assessments. The very first one is called “Technology applications Inventory.” It is a 58 statement survey divided into four domains: Foundations, Solving Problems with Technology Tools, Information Acquisition, and Communication. After carefully reading the statements I had an opportunity to reflect on how powerful and useful the technology can be. I consider myself technology literate; as a matter of fact I have been using it since the late 70’s. I feel confident using the technology both in my personal life and in the classroom. I can surf the net to find information, I know how to operate the hardware and the software installed in my computer including the peripheral devices. However, I am aware that I have some room for improvement in some areas. For instance, publishing tools, virtual reality, simulation, online collaboration. The second assessment is called State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) which is a lengthy survey about technology use at the school. It covers three aspects, your own technology use, the availability of technology at your school, and some school/district policies or resources related to technology. In regards to this survey outcome I would have to say that I have a good knowledge of technology and how to use it. The school/district provides a very reliable Internet service and good educational software is available. The problem is that the training or staff development does not teach teachers how to integrate technology with instruction. On the other hand, there are not enough computers to effectively serve the students; we should have one computer per student. Finally, the state and all other stakeholders must work harder in making technology a part of the daily routine in the classroom, some think that the public school system resists integrating technology with the curriculum when in reality a lot of resources have been invested in technology, but we have failed in making technology available 24/7 for every single student.