Observation of ISTE Essential Conditions & Survey Questions
I do not necessarily agree that all fourteen of the ISTE Essential Conditions are required to achieve favorable conditions that promote effective technology use. Effective is relative to one’s situation, environment, and even to one’s access to resources. I have witnessed educators implementing technology quite effectively despite the absence of many of the conditions recognized by ISTE.
After reading over the list, I identified the following as my list of non-negotables: Curriculum Framework, Consistent and Adequate Funding, (Increased number of Technologically) Skilled Personnel, (Relevant) Ongoing Professional Learning, (Consistent) Equitable Access, (Increased) Technical Support, and (Appropriate) Assessment and Evaluation (of the actual implementation of Information and Communication Technology- ICT and digital learning resources). Although the conditions for my Vision are enhanced, they did not rank very high in my school in my opinion.
Last year, In my building, there was the perception of Shared Vision, Empowered Leaders, and Engaged Communities, but in reality, many members of the staff closed their doors, and did what they felt was relevant to and effective for their students and learning. Teachers did not do this out of defiance, but out of frustration and as a result of not feeling supported by a new administrative team.
Many of us felt as if our building’s history/culture was erased without any input from veteran teachers. There was little if any collaboration that included staff members with different ideas or areas of expertise. These examples illustrate some of our challenges with implementing technology effectively but effective teaching and increasing student achievement had a few casualties along the way as well.
Now, we did receive a significant grant which speaks to our Supportive External Context. Our Parent Liason conducted parent workshops (some technology related), which satisfied our Engaged Communities. Classes that met specific benchmarks for specific technology usage where publically recognized via our Support Policies. Students gained more access to technology with the purchase of iPads that can support a whole grade level, when shared, allowed teachers to increase Student-Centered Learning opportunities. This is in additional to the classroom student desk tops, the computer lab, the mobile lab, and the desk tops in the Media Center. Last year was the first time I ever saw a substitute IT Specialist in the absence of our permanent IT Specialist, which allowed us to have continuous Technical Support for students and staff. Some of the other conditions were met, but these are the ones that occurred in greater frequency and/or were the most notable.
In order to increase my building’s effective use of technology, I need to find out my co-workers’ current perceptions. Of the given choices to collect data, I chose to use first person survey-type statements as a way to measure the ISTE Essential Conditions in my building. The letters HTES is an abbreviation for my school.