Response and Reflection, Technology Assessments

In reviewing the assessments pertaining to technology, I was pleased by the outcomes of each and the overall view that I seem to exhibit a strong degree of technological proficiency. On the Technology Applications Inventory I showed strong results in all of the 4 categories, with 2 of the categories grading in at an 88% or higher yes response rate, 1 category coming in at 83% and the lowest segment scoring in with 75% positive response.

Of the 4 areas, the one with the highest percentage of comfort was that of Information Acquisition, with Foundations, Problem Solving and Communications coming in 2nd through 4th respectively.

I was a little surprised to see the area I scored lowest in was Communication, as I feel that I utilize technology greatly in order to effectively communicate with students, parents and faculty and staff members. However, upon further review, the areas that I marked "no" in were more directly associated with my personal use of differing layouts, rubrics for evaluation and utilizing planners, calendars etc., elements that I currently don’t put much emphasis on.

I was pleased to see that all scores showed a strong use of technology and a familiarity with each area.In reviewing the SEDTA survey, I was again pleased with the overall result of the survey and my ability to show successful use of technology on a personal and professional level. I selected the "teacher" version of the survey, and in reviewing, noted these aspects below of technology being incorporated on a daily basis, as all of these are currently going on at our campus and require extensive use/understanding of technology:

-US History Laptop Project-all 11th grade students have a laptop checked out to them
-Computers on Wheels-a class set of 30 laptops all connected wirelessly to a printer
-Lesson Plans posted electronically and all must show integration and application of technology
-Ceiling mounted projectors in all non-portable classrooms that are connected to the desktop
-Airliners and Smartboards checked out to each department for use in the classroom
-Physical Education PDA project-incorporating PDA's in the PE environment for recording data
-Lobo Academy-a series of technology based professional development opportunities offered weekly during each semester
-Campus Improvement Plan-specific targets for incorporating technology in the classroom
-Campus Star Chart-outlining technological readiness of all faculty and staff in the building and an analysis tool in reaching the 2020 requirements
-LOTI
-COGNOS Training
-Heart Rate Monitors and Fitness Center with connectivity and analysis software
-EKG testing offered to all athletes on campus
-Internet access points in all classrooms and wireless student access throughout the building
-New computers on cycle where no computer in the building is ever in use that would be older than 3 years, which keeps technology up to date.

All of these contribute greatly to tremendous technology use by faculty, staff and specifically students and create a rich learning environment where the use of technology is seen as paramount in the education process.

If I had to pick an area where I would like to improve personally, that may also enhance the learning environment, it would have to be in the ability to integrate analog and digital technology together, in order to mix the "old" with the "new", as well as incorporating more virtual reality elements and simulations for students to immerse themselves in the content.

To close, I feel my overall results on the assessments and surveys were positive based on our districts commitment to utilize all funding sources to support increased use of technology. Our District continually is looking for ways to include technology funding for the schools, whether it be through bonds, donations or grants. I was pleased with the outcome of both assessments, and have a greater appreciation as a faculty member in regards to the variety of technology we have available to assist us in creating the best learning environment possible for our students. The assessments certainly made me fully aware of all the resources we are fortunate to have available in our District!