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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