Sunday, May 4, 2014

School Evaluation Summary

This assignment has given me an opportunity to evaluate our school after implementing a 4:1 ratio throughout the district.  This implementation has created an equal opportunity for students who are in classrooms with teachers who have been hesitant about requesting technology for classroom use.  Although having the device in the classroom does not guarantee the use of technology, there is a feeling of excitement mixed with the trepidation of implementing technology for those teachers less experienced with technology integration. The evaluation led me to question the process of technology acquisitions and integration in schools.  Which method is more effective?  Placing devices in classrooms, then provide teacher training or training teachers in basic technology integration followed by delivering devices to classrooms?  I believe there are pros and cons to both.  In our school we have teachers at varied levels of technology experience.  For those ready to jump in to further integration, not having to wait to be trained on devices allowed for instant access to technology and promoting its use in the classroom.  Does that outweigh the opposite effect of teachers with little experience who now feel pressure to use the devices given to them without training?  At this time, I feel either of the ways to implement computer use in the classrooms would have created discomfort for some of the teachers.  At our site, I believe we chose the best of two imperfect situations.  Teachers who had experience quickly increased their technology in the classroom.  For those who were hesitant, having the computers available with the promise of future training allowed them to access them at their own pace, trying new lessons as they felt comfortable.

I am excited by our district and site commitment to technology use in our classrooms.  As the newly created technology committee moves forward, I believe we will improve the amount of training and support provided to teachers.  Moving 1:1 in the district will allow classes to move towards paperless, cloud-based assignments while integrating new common core curriculum.  I believe we are headed in the right direction and although new problems may surface along the way, with strategic goals and procedures in place, both students and teachers will improve their technology integration in the classroom.

School Evaluation Summary

School Evaluation Survey

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