Reflections of technology assessments in Week 1
By using the resources provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), educators are able to access their knowledge and skill level with technology. One of the resources provided by TEA is the Technology Applications Inventory. The inventory consists of fifty-eight questions designed to probe the knowledge required to implement the technology applications TEKS. The inventory assesses the four domain areas of foundations, information acquisition, solving problems, and communications.
In the domain of foundations, there are eighteen questions. I responded with a yes to 14 of the eighteen. My no responses included saving files that could be used cross platform, correct digital keyboarding standards, capturing digital files and conserving memory and space, and knowing that all work is copyrighted. In analyzing these responses, I do not know what the term cross platform means so I must do some research as to the definition of the term. I also was unaware of correct digital keyboarding standards. I have just kept keyboarding all the years the way that I learned how to type in middle school; I must update myself on this immediately. Capturing digital files and conserving memory and space are the areas that I recognize that I need the most work with updating my skills. I have always considered myself to be fairly proficient with technology; I am never afraid to try new technology and learn to use it to benefit myself and my students, but I admit that digital capture is not an area that I have spent enough time learning. I also did not realize that all work is copyrighted.
In the domain of information acquisition, my no responses were to image, audio, and video file creation, resolving information conflicts and validating information, and identifying the source location, media type, relevancy, and content validity of information. Again, the audio/video lack of skill on my part worked as a factor, but I also lack in the area of research validity. This concerns me as a mathematician as I always want valid data so I need to work on the deficiency.
The problem solving domain had the most no responses for me as checked no to database operations, using virtual environments, technical writing strategies and guides, the electronic communities initiator and teacher, using collaborative software, and validating information. I know without a doubt that my database skills are not up to par and the use of electronic communities has been fairly new to me.
In the last domain of communication, my no responses were to video presentations, video conferencing, and database managers. These answers were consistent with my responses to earlier questions. My skills are not what they should be for video capture and use and my database skills definitely need work.
The other tool used to assess an educator’s skill and knowledge of technology in this assignment was the SETDA Teacher Survey. My responses to this survey were in keeping with the first inventory as far as video capture and database use go, but as I teach in a small school, we have a fairly large amount of available technology. We have two computer labs and student and teacher computers in every classroom including PK. We have digital cameras, scanners, probeware, and simulation software at our school. The problem that we face in our district is that we live in a rural area where DSL does not exist. I do not even have DSL in my home as it will not be available for at least another year in my area. I can have satellite internet connections, but most of my students cannot afford this item. Approximately half of my students do not have computers in their homes as forty five percent of my student population is economically disadvantaged.
I realize that I need to work on certain areas of technology use for myself, but at the present time, I cannot change the technology in the homes of my students. We are working on using our stimulus funds for laptops for all of our secondary students at this time. I am excited about this opportunity for our students.