My first webconference

This week I was able to partake in my first webconference. This is my 10th course and I am defineitly regretting not trying this experience earlier. I gained some very valuable information, along with sharing some of my own ideas. The main reason I had not taken part sooned was that I did not know the value of discussing not only the course but the partnership program overall with my cohorts. I am very sure that I will take part in the future webconferences in my last two courses. I often have trouble going to others for information. Sometimes I forget that in seeking out new ideas I can also find ways to improve my own. I really enjoyed the wobconference and recommend that everyone give it a chance.

Action Plan

STaR Chart Powerpoint

National Technology Educational Plan

The NETP presents a 21st Century model for learning. This plan outlines how America must prepare our youth to succeed in the 21st century. The report outlines specific technology goals in five areas;learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and
productivity. I will include these goals as part of my blog.

Goal #1-Learning: All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and outside of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society.

Goal #2- Assessment: Our education system at all levels will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and use assessment data for continuous improvement.

Goal #3- Teaching: Professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that can empower and inspire them to provide more effective teaching for all learners.

Goal #4- Infrastructure: All students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning when and where they need it.

Goal #5- Productivity: Our education system at all levels will redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making more efficient use of time, money, and staff.

As you can see this plan sets very broad goals based on the five areas. It bascally calls for technology to be at the core of all school activities. This includes the lesson that are taught and the way data is gathered for developing curriculum. By not embracing technology our educational system will not survive. Students are extremely connected and have the ability to control their own learning more so now than ever. With careful planning the educational setting can thrive in this ever changing technological environment. NETP's technology plan provides the needed direction for making sure our educational system as we know it does not become useless during this century.

Progress Report on the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology

I recently read the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology report. This was a very comprehensive document that specifically mapped out a plan for technology integration for Texas schools. It gives feedback as to how each region is doing in making progress towards meeting specific technology goals. The report provides for a way for educators to rate their district in meeting technology goals. Teachers are able to take the STar Chart survey to provide important information in regards to progress towards reaching the Long Range goals provided in the report. By providing this information the state can make monitor the progress of each district. Administrators can use the data to make changes to their own technology plans to insure they are on track to meet technology goals. The report also provides information about the activites and collaborations different districts throughout the state are engaging in to help make progress to meeting the goals of the long range plan. This includes such activites as the technology immersion pilot. Every district leader should read and analyze this report. Understanding the Long Range plan and how schools are able to make progress towards achieving the goals outlined in the plan is very important.

Teaching and Learning- Texas Long Range Plan for Technology

Key Area I of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology is Teaching and Learning. This area asks for feedback from educators about how they feel there district is doing in regards to teacher use of technology for student learning. This includes; patterns of classroom use, frequency of instructional setting, content area connections, TEKS implementation, student mastery of technology applications, and online learning. Over the course of the last few years, my district show little progress in this area. In our most recent STar Chart data we scored a 13. This score puts my district in the developnig technology stage. As new teachers enter the district we are getting more acurate data when it comes to the STar Chart. Younger teachers are more accustomed to using technology and have a better idea of how well it is being utilized in the district. This score is not good enough in my opinion. It shows me that we still need to make changes to insure the technology we have on campus is being used to its full potential. Teachers need more encouragement and confidence to make full use of what is available. After analyzing the State data I saw that nearly 60% of the school districts are also in the developing tech stage for this area. I think to change how our teachers perceive the performance of our district in this area we need to get more training with our technology and provide more incentives for teachers that are utilizing it.