Concept 3: Technology Plans

Before I began this course, I had never heard of a technology plan before.  I was impressed to learn that the school district that I work for (Dekalb County School District) has such an exhaustive and substantial technology plan.  I learned that the technology plan outlines the current technology that is available to current school district employees, students, and parents.  In addition, the plan reveals goals and objectives for the implementation of technology and technology standards for students and employees.

The implementation of a solid, meaningful plan is required in order to structure students and teachers for success.  The technology plan for my school district was well written, and it contained all the important aspects of a technology plan.  However, I did read through several other technology plans for other local school district, and some of them were not holistic in nature--the plan did not include all the important elements.  As a future administrator, it will be important for me to be cognizant and knowledgeable about the district's technology plan.  In addition, I will make it a priority to create a school technology plan that outlines specific areas of improvement for students and teachers (Boling, 2014)

References:

Boling, C. J. (2014). Technology Plans. Retrieved from University of West Florida: https://hostsited2l.uwf.edu/d2l/le/content/908617/viewContent/1801143/View

Concept 2: Professional Development

Professional development is required in any field, as it enables employees to remain abreast and knowledgeable about current best practices and evidence-based practices.  While enrolled in this course, I have learned that people participate in professional development for a myriad of reasons.  In regards to education, I would say that the most common reason that teachers participate in professional development is to learn new instructional strategies.  These instructional strategies facilitate student achievement.

Because technology is continuously changing and evolving, it is important that all educators seek professional development.  In order to help students learn to use technology, teachers must first understand the technology.   Also, I have learned that professional development can occur in many ways--degree programs, school meetings/conferences, and professional meetings/conferences.  This will be helpful in my future role as an administrator because it will enable me to capture to interest of my teachers; I will use a myriad of delivery methods to introduce new professional development (Boling, 2014).

References:

Boling, C. J. (2014). Part 2: Professional Development. Retrieved from University of West Florida: https://hostsited2l.uwf.edu/d2l/le/content/908617/viewContent/1801143/View

Concept 1: International Society for Technology in Education

The International Society for Technology in Education has developed standards for the teaching of technology for all educators across the globe.  The standards seek to prepare students to take an active role in the increasingly digital world.  There are several sets of standards—one for students (ITSE-S), teachers (ITSE-T), administrators (ISTE-A), coaches (ITSE- C), and computer science teachers (ITSE-CSE).  Regardless of the standard set, increasing student interaction and knowledge of technology is always the focus.  

The ITSE standards ensure that students receive rigorous technology instruction, as technology continues to advance across the globe.  These standards should be incorporated in every classroom, as every lesson can include technology to some extent.  If these standards are implemented with fidelity in the classroom, then student achievement in the area of technology will increase (International Society for Technology in Education, 2012).

I found these standards to be of interest because it is difficult to prepare students to be technologically savvy without a road map.  In professional practice, I am now able to lead my students in the correct direction because I now have the road map that details what students must be able to demonstrate.  As a future administrator, I will be able to lead my teachers in the right direction--in turn they will impact students.

References:

International Society for Technology in Education. (2012, January 23). Technology Standards. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/