Technology+Facilitator+Standards-Week+2

**﻿Technology Facilitator Standard III: Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum**  **__Self –Assessment__**

There is a gap between 21st century learners and 20th century educators. There are a lot of teachers that were educated in the 20th century that have the same mentality of that century. In an era when the needs of students are rapidly changing, schools are not providing digital-age learners with the types of environments that parallel the connectivity and social interaction patterns that they are accustomed to outside of school (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 57). This is my daily goal, to close the gap between the digital-age learner and teachers. **__Learn as a Learner__**

My school was recently chosen to receive an upgrade in technology by receiving Cisco digital phones and making the entire school wireless. The students are allowed to bring their iPads, iPods, eReaders, etc. They must register the electronic devices with the school. After registration the student will be allowed to use the device during group or individual projects for research purposes or whatever the teacher designates. The biggest problems for most schools are funds to purchase what they may need or want. With the current budget cuts at the state and federal level how are we going compete with other countries? This is another gap we need to evaluate and improve so that our students can have a fair advantage when it’s time to become independent. I ask the students about the possibility of having access to a laptop or iPad for every desk in every classroom and they thought that was an awesome idea. They made the statement that it would never happen because our school is too cheap. I corrected them by saying if the school could afford this improvement, our principal would be the first to purchase these computers. He is technologically savvy as well and his desire is to provide whatever tools he can for our students success. We are still at the developing stage for technology and striving to achieve the next level of the advance stage. The students offered to have a fundraiser to get computers for our class and I told them we need a plan before moving forward. I want them to research and document ideas to achieve this goal by using the four computers we have in our classroom. In addition to foundational academic knowledge, students must be able to use technologies in ethical, accurate, and insightful ways to support the demands of economics and citizenship in modern society (Honey, Fasca, Gersick, Mandinarch, & Sinha, 2005, p. 60). **__Lifelong Learning Skills__**

 Technology, not should, but must be used to teach our 21st century learners because it is a major part of life. Computers are used in every aspect of our lives e.g., education, research, travel plans, paying bills, event planning, tours, shopping, current events, communication/collaboration, weather, etc. Technology will keep our students abreast of everything that is occurring in this world and close the gap between their counterparts in other countries. The solution to integrating technology is to teach the teachers by modeling how important it is for the success of our students. Often, teachers are unable to implement student technology standards until they see sample lessons, strategies, and methods (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 66). Close the gap between educators and students you then close the gap between students and success.

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //Technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
 * Reference **

Technology Facilitator Standard IV—Assessment and Evaluation
__**Self –Assessment **__

In the current age of accountability, educational leaders are required to be more skilled in assessment and evaluation than their predecessors were. Technology facilitators and leaders are no exception (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 77). I have not had much opportunity with using computer-based testing (CBT) programs. The only system I am familiar with is the Classroom Performance System (CPS). I don’t have one assigned to my classroom but I am aware of the benefits of using it in the classroom. This sort of assessment saves time and money by cutting back on quizzes and grading. I have access to several interactive videos that are used in conjunction with the interactive white board. This tool is great for determining the level of knowledge through direct participation.

**__Learn as a Learner__**  Most researchers and practicing technologists claim that the greatest barrier to assessing technology literacy is the lack of high-quality instruments and/or assessment processes available to schools (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 81). My school is not high tech and doesn’t have a state of the art computer lab. We only have one Technology Applications class and two portable labs that are signed out, most of the time. We make use of what we have in creative methods. Not having all the technology that you need does not stop educators from doing all that we can with what we have.

** __Lifelong Learning Skills__ **

<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">There is a lot of potential in having a technology-based assessment program. I think students are much more comfortable and alert when taking tests on computers and not paper based tests. Even I prefer taking a CBT when it’s time for me to take a certification test because I dread the boring PBT. Educators need to understand that it’s the exact same way for students.

**<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">Reference ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //Technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

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