Web Conference

I went ahead and viewed the March 16th web conference:

My initial impression was that it was a tad bit chaotic. I think this is due to the layout of how topics are discussed. I noticed that having sound was an issue. I decided to just scroll through, read, and notate what was an interest to me. I did find the topic of social networking as something I want to read more on. One student mentioned that they had been told to NOT talk to students on social networking sites. The teacher actually brought up a good point of how it was an easy way to speak to them. It would seem to be easy to just "write on your student's wall" via Facebook about an upcoming test or even just send them a quick message. I can also understand the directive that was given because it can diminish any room for suspected wrongdoing between teacher and student. The discussion of outdated technology was an excellent point as well. I think the budget crisis that we're in will definitely push districts to learn to make the most of what we already have. I think that in order to have a productive web conference there may need to be certain topics posed for discussion before it actually begins. The topics will be discussed and questions can be asked. Technology isn't the best thing, so it would alleviate multiple conversations and lost sound. It was good to see that so many were present and giving feedback.

Dallas ISD Technology Action Plan

Dallas ISD Technology Action Plan

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National Educational Plan: Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology

The overall plan called for a transformation in our education system by having clear expectations, collaborating, monitoring, and strong accountability. Learning should engage regardless of content area and promote critical thinking. The plan promote using technology that professional us to prepare our student for future learning and experiences. Learning should shift to a model that is more connected to include technology. Technology can help to shape a stronger educator with a knowledge that ensures learning and success takes place. The report discusses how funding a critical role plays in the overall use of technology in schools. If we want our student to be engaged and productive students, we have to find ways to bridge the gap amongst schools and their funding. It was also discussed that all students should receive access to the core area concepts, but technology can offer differentiation not easily done on a daily basis. Assessment must improve and technology has potential to change this as well. The report suggested that formative assessments can prove more beneficial. Formative assessments can improve student learning in the moment and modify the environment of learning. Online learning can offer opportunities for formal assessments. An online system can offer more detailed information about how students are currently doing. Adaptive assessments are designed to identify the next kind of learning experience that will most benefit the practical learner. The report outlined a very positive aspect for technology: technology can reduce test taking for accountability only. Technology can reduce the number of tests given throughout the year and leave room for more learning and success. Educators will need the support of technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences. There will have to be a shift from the typical training of the educator that includes workshops with little to no follow up. The opposite will have to occur as we proceed. Most teachers leave the profession because of the lack of support. The report states that all educators will need to be prepared with the changes in technology and how to use it in the classroom. It was suggested that the best way to prepare educators is to have them experience technology hands on. There should be technology supported learning experiences that promote and enable the use of technology to improve learning. Ongoing professional learning should support and develop educator’s identities as fluent users of advanced technology, problem solvers, and adaptive socially aware experts in their fields per the report. Educators need more time throughout their work week to engage in professional learning. Technology can help to share best practices among educators from different areas. The plan promotes career long personal learning. The goal is to make professional learning timely and relevant, so that impacts educators and students.

Progress Report on the Long Range Plan for Technology

The progress report indicated that technology was introduced into the classroom for students, teachers, administrators, and parents. The goal of the overall plan is to prepare young citizens to work and thrive in the 21st century and to effectively interact in a global marketplace. The 2008 progress report focuses on programs from 2006-2008. The Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) provided each student and teacher wireless mobile computing device software, online resources, and other appropriate learning technologies. Students shared their new skills with families which increase family support. There was also an increase in student achievement, parent/teacher communication, and sharing of school projects/assignments. The evaluation of the TIP initiative also showed fewer discipline problems and more community support. The report indicated progress in the teaching and learning area since the initial process began. A new initiative has been made to prepare students with what they need to know to be productive 21st century students. The Texas Campus STaR chart indicated that Texas schools were moving toward Target Tech in this area. The report also indicated a push for online learning and its impact on student success. The Educator Preparation and Development has been introduced to new ways for teacher and administrative preparation. There was minimal progress in this area per the Texas STaR Chart. Educator preparation addressed in the report has to be effective. School librarians have become vital in helping the technology push in the classroom setting. During the 2007-2008 year, technology applications have been added to the generalist certificate. The Intel Tech program and the STAR grant are initiatives to help schools meet the Target level. Professional development will have to remain consistent, so that learning will grow and improve. The STaR grant resulted in more teachers requesting technology and more online learning opportunities. The Intel Teach Program helped K-12 teachers be more effective by offering training on how to integrate technology into their lessons, promoting problem solving, and collaborations skills. Results showed that teachers increased their use of technology in the classroom after the course. Progress in the Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support was shown. There was a slight increase in this area as noted in the STaR chart as well. The Educational Technology Advisory Committee has provided advice and guidance in the development of several planning tools. The committee developed a toolkit to assist in involving all stakeholders in the development of a shared vision in regards to technology. The Infrastructure for Technology saw an increase and was rated at the Target Tech level. Internet safety has been at the forefront and legislature provided a law that required TEA to develop and make available a list of resources and organization concerning internet safety.

Texas Long Range Plan For Technology

The Teaching and Learning area focuses on engaging students with opportunities in their school and surrounding communities. Technology access will allow for students to communicate with others across the glove. Technology being introduced into schools allows for increased learning and collaboration. The Texas Long Range Plan for Teaching and Learning goals for all learners/educators include access to technology 24/7, collaborations that provides solutions, use research based strategies, and effective communication. Progress in this area is improving but continues to face problems. Teachers are not yet ready to move past the typical classroom. A typical classroom is where teachers give information to the students that they want them to learn. There is no room for a learning process that involves teacher and student in this type of setting. In order for this area to improve teachers will have to take on the role as facilitator, mentor, and co-learner who are the driving force in his/her classroom. The first steps for improvement will have to be continued support for teachers and this initiative. If teachers are being asked to change in such a drastic way, there will have to be ongoing staff development that shows them how. Teachers will have to be open to change in order to improve this particular area, as it will benefit the learning process for students. Teachers will also need to receive hands on training as new technology is introduced to their campus. Students will also need to have easy access to technology and effective lessons that utilize the technology. The Teaching and Learning component is a community effort and it can benefit all stakeholders.

Texas E-Rate Plan Presentation

E-Rate Summary and Campus Technology Overview

Texas E-Rate Plan

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