Technology integration in the 21st century classroom

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National Educational Technology Plan

As technological advances make it easier for students gain access to resources, teachers no longer function as the gateway to information.  In response to this dramatic change in the way students learn, accompanied by the changing demands of the global economy, educational institutions face the need to revamp how students are being educated in the 21^st Century classrooms.  The Federal Government has also responded with the release of National Educational Technology Plan in 2010.

The Plan outlines five basic goals for schools:

• Goal One addresses the needs of the learner as well as expectations for states and local school districts.  States and school districts are required to adequately meet the needs of the learner by providing engaging and powerful learning experiences that will prepare them to be successful in our globally networked society.
• Goal Two addresses assessment methods and techniques.  According to this goal educational institutions will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and use data for continuous improvement.
• Goal Three outlines expectations for educator training and support.  According to this goal the state and school districts should use technology to provide educators with individual and team support; technology that allows provides teachers with connection information and learning experiences that empower and inspire them.
• Goal Four details the accessibility and effectiveness of computer technology and Internet connectivity for students and educators.
• Goal Five describes the need for states and school districts to redesign and the educational processes and structures as it pertains to technology and student learning.

With regards to teaching and learning states and school districts are expected to implement standards and learning objectives that enable learners to use technology to improve assessments and performance on a regular basis anywhere and anytime.  An evaluation of the plan reveals many of the goals and objectives already outlined in the Texas Technology Plan, the Texas Technonolgy TEKs, as well as the school district’s plan that I have examined.  This should make ease for implementation of the National Educational Technology Plan into states’ and local school district’s plans.

Reference:   http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/netp2010.pdf

Cypress-Fairbanks Technology Plan

The Cyfair-Fairbanks school technology plan has four major goals: to improve students’ academic achievement through assessment opportunities outlined in the Target Tech Level of the Texas StaR Chart; to provide school staff with opportunities for professional development; to increase the level of administrative support and use of technology in all areas as represented in the Texas StaR Chart; and to provide infrastructure systems that allow users 24/7 access to all elearning opportunities, and to provide technical assistance and support.

The district’s technology plan is being implemented through a wide array of strategies, which include, but not limited to:

• Ongoing staff development and training to staff and campus leaders
• Use of trained curriculum writers to develop lessons that meet the Texas Technology Application Standards
• Providing teachers and students access and use of a variety of digital tools and resources
• Providing a Curriculum Management System that hosts lessons that integrate 21^st Century learning skills
• Increase technology use among students by encouraging staff to provide students with daily opportunities to use technology, through the CFISD Virtual School, and installation of computers, Internet services and software at all campuses

The implementation of the district’s Technology Plan is being carried out various levels throughout the district.  The responsibility is shared between the District’s Instructional Technology Department, District Support Team, Curriculum Instruction Department, School Administration, Campus Technology Teams, and classroom teachers.  Not only will these personnel be in charge of integrating technology in the curriculum, but also they will be responsible for evaluating teacher and students’ activities in the classroom as it pertains to technology.  They will also evaluate written records, purchasing and receiving orders, teacher lesson plans, professional development course offerings and so on to ensure effective technology implementation.  Teacher will also be required to complete the STaR Chart Self Assessment.  Technology funds have already been allocated up to the 2014 school year. 

Reference: 

http://www.cfisd.net/dept2/technology/Technology%20Plan.pdf

Technology Assessment

Assessment tools are useful techniques for gathering data about any given population.  In education there a number of assessment tools are available that both teachers and students can utilize to gather valuable information about their strengths, weaknesses and learning styles.  As the technology touches every facet of our lives, it is would be advisable to gather data on educators’ and students’ technological knowledge and skills so as to better serve the meet their needs.  For the educator, assessment can be used to identify strengths and areas that need additional training and practice.  It can also be a useful tool for identifying teachers’ preferred mode of learning to use technology, which can be critical when planning technology training and development.  The Leadership Skills and Assessment, for instance, is an assessment tool that assesses teachers’ knowledge and skills in a number of areas including technology.  Another useful survey is Technology Literacy Self Assessment that identifies teachers’ technology strengths and areas that need improvement.  Finally, educators can use the information gathered from surveys to set goals for themselves.  Likewise, students should also be assessed for their technology skills and readiness.  This information will not only allow students to learn about their strengths and weaknesses, but also the educators will have valuable information about students technology skills and experience which could be useful for planning instruction.

Technology assessment is essential to effective implementation of technology in schools only then will leaders aware of teachers needs or teachers aware of their students’ needs.  Without awareness there cannot be effective implementation.  Thus, as tedious and time consuming as it may be, technology assessment is necessary and should not be overlooked.

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