Current Realities in the building where I work: ISTE Conditions 1-3
ISTE Definition 1 of 8: Use of information and communication technology (ICT) to facilitate engaging approaches to learning.
Teachers use technology for low level skills like drill and practice, but technology isn’t used to maximize student learning. Students hardly if ever use web 2.0 tools in the classroom. Teachers will use technology as required by the administrative team, but teachers require more training and support to move outside of their comfort zones. Our current technology specialist does the best she can to offer technical support, but much of our technology is worn and dated. I suspect with the pending move to a new building- our technology budget is probably suspended or reduced. It is risky to update technology when the fate of our students and staff is basically hanging in the balance until after the move.
A new principal was hired at the end of last school year in addition to losing approximately fifteen staff members to transfers and resignations. I predict that next year will seem like staring over again.
Several teachers are proficient in using web 2.0 tools in their personal lives. If these teachers were compensated, they could train other teachers to use those same tools and eventually transfer those skills for classroom use with students and parents. Veteran teachers may have unique technology needs, and should get addressed. Finally, having a Technology Coach in the building would benefit the staff and students.
ISTE Definition 2 of 8: Proactive leadership in developing a shared vision for educational technology among school personnel, students, parents, and the community.
Fulton County has a technology policy that aligns with state technology standards.
Last year, our principal drafted a new school vision, that included technology, but next year we will have a new building principal.
Students and staff have either read, seen, or heard about the technology vision, but it is not widely known. Our building has changed administrators each year for the past three to four years. I suspect that our vision is about to change again.
Once we move to the new building, we will probably adopt another vision for technology use in our building.
ISTE Definition 3 of 8: A systematic plan aligned with a shared vision for school effectiveness and student learning through the infusion of ICT and digital learning resources.
Fulton County has a technology plan, but the goals are embedded within the context of the general curriculum. Teachers who are not experts in using technology are responsible for integrating technology into the curriculum. Some teachers do not feel comfortable seeking out and using technology on their own. Several teachers are close to retirement and prefer to use more traditional forms of teaching that is less dependent on technology.
Having a clear goal for implementing technology will give teachers clear expectations of what is required of them. Teachers should also have the opportunity to show growth individually as well. Also, teachers should not all expect to end up at the same place, when they each start from a different beginning. Technology plans should address this.
A good technology committee might include students and parents in addition to staff. They don’t have to meet weekly, but they should have regular updates. Using web 2.0 tools to meet is an excellent way to integrate technology.
ISTE Definition 1 of 8: Use of information and communication technology (ICT) to facilitate engaging approaches to learning.
Teachers use technology for low level skills like drill and practice, but technology isn’t used to maximize student learning. Students hardly if ever use web 2.0 tools in the classroom. Teachers will use technology as required by the administrative team, but teachers require more training and support to move outside of their comfort zones. Our current technology specialist does the best she can to offer technical support, but much of our technology is worn and dated. I suspect with the pending move to a new building- our technology budget is probably suspended or reduced. It is risky to update technology when the fate of our students and staff is basically hanging in the balance until after the move.
A new principal was hired at the end of last school year in addition to losing approximately fifteen staff members to transfers and resignations. I predict that next year will seem like staring over again.
Several teachers are proficient in using web 2.0 tools in their personal lives. If these teachers were compensated, they could train other teachers to use those same tools and eventually transfer those skills for classroom use with students and parents. Veteran teachers may have unique technology needs, and should get addressed. Finally, having a Technology Coach in the building would benefit the staff and students.
ISTE Definition 2 of 8: Proactive leadership in developing a shared vision for educational technology among school personnel, students, parents, and the community.
Fulton County has a technology policy that aligns with state technology standards.
Last year, our principal drafted a new school vision, that included technology, but next year we will have a new building principal.
Students and staff have either read, seen, or heard about the technology vision, but it is not widely known. Our building has changed administrators each year for the past three to four years. I suspect that our vision is about to change again.
Once we move to the new building, we will probably adopt another vision for technology use in our building.
ISTE Definition 3 of 8: A systematic plan aligned with a shared vision for school effectiveness and student learning through the infusion of ICT and digital learning resources.
Fulton County has a technology plan, but the goals are embedded within the context of the general curriculum. Teachers who are not experts in using technology are responsible for integrating technology into the curriculum. Some teachers do not feel comfortable seeking out and using technology on their own. Several teachers are close to retirement and prefer to use more traditional forms of teaching that is less dependent on technology.
Having a clear goal for implementing technology will give teachers clear expectations of what is required of them. Teachers should also have the opportunity to show growth individually as well. Also, teachers should not all expect to end up at the same place, when they each start from a different beginning. Technology plans should address this.
A good technology committee might include students and parents in addition to staff. They don’t have to meet weekly, but they should have regular updates. Using web 2.0 tools to meet is an excellent way to integrate technology.