Week 2 Assignment, Part 3: Technology Assessments

Assessing educators’ technology leadership knowledge and skills is necessary to ensure technology is being effectively integrated into the classroom.  Most recent graduates are more knowledgeable about the current trends in technology. However, there are still many educators who are not comfortable using any type of technology.  Unfortunately, if these individuals weren’t “forced” to make changes to their instruction, they would continue to do things the way they’ve always done them.

Many of today’s students are much more computer literate than some of their teachers. Therefore, identifying the knowledge level of students is important. Their skills should determine how and what type of technology is incorporated. Just as we have been differentiating traditional instruction, the different skill levels require technology instruction to be differentiated as well. Educators should be compelled to improve their skills, so they can meet the needs of their students.

With all of that being said, I think there are certain educators who should not be penalized for their lack of technology integration. For instance, Physical Education teachers are very limited in how they can incorporate technology into the classroom.  It would be great if say, the Wii, could be used as an instructional tool.  However, a very limited number of students can participate, and thus not all students would be active. The cost would also be a factor. As a dyslexia therapist in the public school setting, I am prohibited from using technology. In order to uphold the integrity of the dyslexia curriculum I must follow the curriculum as it’s written (which does not include TEKS). Luckily, I haven’t had an administrator who gave me a low PDAS rating for the lack of technology used. Several of my co-workers haven’t been as lucky. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t like to include technology.  There are ways I think technology could be used, but I’m not sure how to go about doing it.  Through this program, I’m hoping to be able to learn the skills I need to help make a change.