Technology Applications Inventory & SETDA

I should preface my blog by stating that I am at an advantage in this assignment. My education and teaching experience is heavily weighted in technology. I have taught high school technology applications classes to include the following: BCIS and Digital Graphics and Animation. I am currently the technology applications teacher for all kindergarten through fifth graders at my elementary school. I guess I should add that I am also EC-12 Technology Applications certified. I serve as my campus’ technology facilitator, so I have received extensive training in a wide variety of applications. I am the web designer for my campus’ website, and I also serve as the technology trainer for our faculty and staff. I am also responsible for getting all new teachers to show their “technology proficiencies” as mandated by NCLB. With that being said, the Technology Applications Inventory provided by TEA showed no deficiencies on my part. Out of a total of 58 questions, I was able to answer “yes” to all of them.

My experience as a campus technology facilitator of an elementary campus has opened my eyes to the lack of experience many teachers have in regards to computer foundations. While I have been exposed to the simplest of these items, “understanding the differences between primary memory and secondary storage”, I have many peers who have no idea what is being asked of them when they are told to backup their files onto their own USB or flash drive. In working with teachers to help them to pass their technology proficiencies, I am amazed at how many of them cannot perform simple word processing tasks. To ask them to combine spreadsheet applications with word processing tasks is a monumental task. In the 21st Century, you would think that there would be a better foundation built for our teachers, but that is not always the case. It is easy to see why these teachers shy away from incorporating more technology into their daily lessons.

I felt that the SETDA Teacher Survey was very thorough. Again, I felt that I had a leg up on other teachers in that technology is a built in component of my curriculum. I am not limited as far as computer availability, and for the most part, I do have access to the software that I need. I feel that my limitations are with the grade levels that I teach. I am fortunate to be in a district that values technology. Where surrounding districts have eliminated a technology applications teacher position, my district has worked to keep that position. I feel that this shows evidence that getting technology to our teachers and students is a primary goal.