In an age where we (teachers) are the digital immigrants and students are the digital natives, we need to broaden our horizon to all the technology out there and use what we can in the classroom to excite and motivate our students. Whether we like it or not technology is becoming more prevalent in our education system. The problem with this is that teachers lack the skills and knowledge needed to execute a technology plan in their classroom. We have teachers at different levels of skills and knowledge of technology. The technology assessment tool such as the Texas STaR Chart was created to measure and easily identify teacher and student levels and needs. I do believe there is value assessing, because it helps define strengths and weaknesses, which can then set the foundation that may help reach any technological goals and 21st century learners.
As stated in the Texas Teacher STaR Chart manual "Its purpose is to assist all classroom teachers in assessing needs and setting goals for the use of technology in the classroom to support student achievement." (Texas Education Agency)
Data always helps in determining any type of decision, but with any assessment, there are pros and there are cons. We may be able to use the results of this test to identify the schools technological levels and determine what are teacher and student technology needs, but at the same time who is to say the school was being truthful in answering all the questions. Even if they are truthful who is to say that the outcomes to these tests will be met and implemented. With budget cuts on the rise, technology is always on the bottom of the list.
Texas Campus STaR Chart Summary. (2009, December). Website: http://starchart2.epsilen.com/campus
searchlist.aspx?foryear=20092010&district=beaumont&campus.
Texas Campus STaR Chart Summary. (2010, November). Website: http://starchart2.epsilen.com/campus
searchlist.aspx?foryear=20102011&district=beaumont&campus.
Texas Campus STaR Chart Summary. (2011, December). Website: http://starchart2.epsilen.com/campus
searchlist.aspx?foryear=20112012&district=beaumont&campus.
Texas Education Ageny (2007-2011). Texas Teacher STaR Chart. Website: http://starchart.epsilen.com/
docs/TxCSC.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment