Sunday, March 27, 2011
Web Conference March 23rd Reflection
I am 49 years old and have been in education for the last 18 years. Last Wednesday evening, the 23rd, I attended my first ever web conference. Myself and 98 other participants logged into the chat room and texted back and forth with the course professor. At first I was frustrated by the technical problems, sound, and the text flying by because everyone was attempting to ask questions and answer questions. But after about ten minutes I had settled into the new experience and began to enjoy it. I found that some of the questions and answers were extremely helpful, because I had the same questions. I realized that I am not isolated in my confusion around the portfolio or graduation requirements. I also found some interesting information about state budgeting information for next year, especially around technology. I did have a few questions afterwards about why only seven people could be seen, and why it was always them. Why wasn't everyone able to speak instead of type. But overall I came away with thinking what a great tool web conferencing is and how we are missing the boat in our classrooms with this potentiallly untapped resource at our disposal. We are really doing our students a disservice around technology in public schools. In todays world how can we not tap these resources to prepare them for the real world.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Week 4: Technology Action Plan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Technology Action Plan is separated into three categories, Curriculum and Learning, Administration and Management and Communication and Information. Goals, Action Plan and Timeline are provided for each category.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Curriculum and Learning
Goal
Action Plan
Timeline
Goal #1:
To make staff aware of available technology, provide training on its use and integrate it into the curriculum
I) Assess the District’s technology needs:
A) Conduct a needs assessment yearly
B) Provide staff with a method to request technology through an interactive web site 2011-2012
C) Conduct a hardware inventory yearly
D) Survey staff on technology issues such as training, software applications, and hardware. ongoing
E) Develop on-line needs assessment survey form 2011-2012
F) Provide yearly staff development survey yearly
II) Provide Technology Inservice training:
A) Continuous series of summer and after school technology workshops ongoing
B) Opportunities to attend conferences and training workshops focusing on technology ongoing
C) Specialized training for computer contacts, web masters, and technology department personnel ongoing
D) Develop technology workshops for Act 48 committee and District Inservice Days ongoing
E) Opportunities to attend Technology Mentor Program provided by TIU 11 ongoing
III) Provide means of Technology Integration through use of Curriculum Resources:
A) Teacher Training sessions include integration component 2011-2012
B) Teachers will be made aware of new Curriculum Resources
1) INET
2) Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia On-line
3) Power Library
4) Brazosport ISD Web Site Curriculum Resources
2011-2012
C) Continue to train teachers in the use of Internet and Email ongoing
D) Continue to upgrade and integrate Eduphoria Lesson Plans at K-12 levels ongoing
Goal #2:
Upgrade and expand Technology Planned Course on regular basis. Work with Director of Curriculum and Planned Course Committee to revise and update Technology Planned Courses. ongoing
Goal #3:
Upgrade and Expand High School computer curriculum I) Reorganize courses in high school computer curriculum:
curriculum:
A) Keyboarding 2011-2012
B) Office Technology 2011-2012
C) Applied Computer Technology 2011-2012
D) Electronic Communications 2011-2012
Goal #4:
Continue to use and expand Distance Learning program I) Support video conferencing systems at both high schools
2011-2012
II) Install video conferencing system at middle school level 2012-2013
III) Install video conferencing system at elementary level 2013-2014
IV) Continue to offer classes between high schools 2011-2012
V) Continue to offer freshman college courses 2011-2012
VI) Transmit teacher training courses
A) Standards
B) Training
C) Math and Science
2011-2012
VII) Transmit student field trips 2011-2012
Administration and Management
Goal #1:
To monitor the District's needs for technology in all curriculum areas and make it possible for those needs to be met, I) There will be a District Technology Committee, consisting of members of the community, student body and staff. 2011-2012
II) The District Technology Committee will serve as advisors to the Technology Department and review progress on the Technology Strategic Plan. 2011-2012
III) This District Technology Committee will meet an average of two times a year to review the Technology Action Plan. 2011-2012
IV) This District Technology Committee will set up sub-committees to focus on key technology issues. The following committees will be formed
A) Computer Use and Internet Policy Committee
B) Technology Training Committee
C) Web Master Committee
D) Distance Learning Committee
E) E-rate Committee
F) Library Automation Committee
G) Community Training Committee
H) Computer Curriculum Committee 2011-2012
V) A Technology Department will be formed. 2011-2012
A) The District Technology Department will include the following positions: District Technology Coordinator, Elementary Computer Coordinator, Director of Data Processing, System Support Operator I, System Support Operator II, Computer Technicians, Part time Wiring Technician, Part Time Web Master Coordinator, Part time Student Technicians
2011-2012
B) The District should continue to monitor the use of outsourcing services for maintenance and technical support. As it becomes cost effective new positions should be added to the Department as needed.
ongoing
C) The District should explore adding the following full-time positions to the Department:
Middle School Computer Coordinator 2011-2012
High School Computer Coordinator 2011-2012
Web Master Training & Support Coordinator Part Time
2011-2012
D) The District should continue to support Computer Contact personnel in each building. When possible, the Computer Contacts should be given time in their schedule each day to help with building technology issues. ongoing
E) The District should continue to hire web masters on a yearly basis to make sure the web site is active over summer and at the beginning of the school year. ongoing
ongoing
F) The District should continue to support a Distance Learning Coordinator for each high school.
Goal #2:
Combine the Data Processing Department and the Technology Department in order to manage and coordinate technology and communications systems district-wide I) Student Records
II) Cafeteria Management
III) Financial Department
2011-2012
Goal #3:
Develop and maintain a District Wide Area Network I) The Technology Department will manage the users, software and hardware on the network
A) Maintain a central web servers
1) Maintain proxy server for Internet filtering
2) Develop, communicate, maintain and administer District Internet and Computer Network Policy
3) Maintain District Web Site server
4) Maintain Internet and Intranet communications
5) Maintain Email server
B) Maintain data communications equipment
C) Establish efficient communications backbone 2011-2012
Goal #4:
Automate District Libraries I) Install library automation systems in high school libraries 2011-2012
II) Install library automation systems in middle school libraries 2011-2012
III) Install library automation systems in elementary libraries 2011-2012
Communication and Information
Goal Action Plan Timeline
Goal #1:
Provide improved communication between the Technology Department and staff I) Publish a monthly technology newsletter that shares the present status of technology in the district, highlights new and interesting projects taking place, gives computer tips and reminders, lists inservice courses offered and includes other technology information. 2011-2012
II) Provide staff with a tech support personnel who can be accessed at all times by phone 2011-2012
III) Develop a Brazopsort ISD Intranet with technology support services on line
A) forms for computer repairs and requests
B) technology and wiring projects listed with timeline for completion and present status
C) mileage, supplemental pay forms
D) Provide on-line tutorials of common questions and procedures 2011-2012
Goal #2:
Increase community awareness of school district technology I) Provide introductory computer courses to the community.
II) Have technology open houses at the schools.
III) Publicize school technology events
ongoing
Goal #3:
Increase partnerships between District and community
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adapted from Brazosport ISD Technology Plan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Technology Action Plan is separated into three categories, Curriculum and Learning, Administration and Management and Communication and Information. Goals, Action Plan and Timeline are provided for each category.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Curriculum and Learning
Goal
Action Plan
Timeline
Goal #1:
To make staff aware of available technology, provide training on its use and integrate it into the curriculum
I) Assess the District’s technology needs:
A) Conduct a needs assessment yearly
B) Provide staff with a method to request technology through an interactive web site 2011-2012
C) Conduct a hardware inventory yearly
D) Survey staff on technology issues such as training, software applications, and hardware. ongoing
E) Develop on-line needs assessment survey form 2011-2012
F) Provide yearly staff development survey yearly
II) Provide Technology Inservice training:
A) Continuous series of summer and after school technology workshops ongoing
B) Opportunities to attend conferences and training workshops focusing on technology ongoing
C) Specialized training for computer contacts, web masters, and technology department personnel ongoing
D) Develop technology workshops for Act 48 committee and District Inservice Days ongoing
E) Opportunities to attend Technology Mentor Program provided by TIU 11 ongoing
III) Provide means of Technology Integration through use of Curriculum Resources:
A) Teacher Training sessions include integration component 2011-2012
B) Teachers will be made aware of new Curriculum Resources
1) INET
2) Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia On-line
3) Power Library
4) Brazosport ISD Web Site Curriculum Resources
2011-2012
C) Continue to train teachers in the use of Internet and Email ongoing
D) Continue to upgrade and integrate Eduphoria Lesson Plans at K-12 levels ongoing
Goal #2:
Upgrade and expand Technology Planned Course on regular basis. Work with Director of Curriculum and Planned Course Committee to revise and update Technology Planned Courses. ongoing
Goal #3:
Upgrade and Expand High School computer curriculum I) Reorganize courses in high school computer curriculum:
curriculum:
A) Keyboarding 2011-2012
B) Office Technology 2011-2012
C) Applied Computer Technology 2011-2012
D) Electronic Communications 2011-2012
Goal #4:
Continue to use and expand Distance Learning program I) Support video conferencing systems at both high schools
2011-2012
II) Install video conferencing system at middle school level 2012-2013
III) Install video conferencing system at elementary level 2013-2014
IV) Continue to offer classes between high schools 2011-2012
V) Continue to offer freshman college courses 2011-2012
VI) Transmit teacher training courses
A) Standards
B) Training
C) Math and Science
2011-2012
VII) Transmit student field trips 2011-2012
Administration and Management
Goal #1:
To monitor the District's needs for technology in all curriculum areas and make it possible for those needs to be met, I) There will be a District Technology Committee, consisting of members of the community, student body and staff. 2011-2012
II) The District Technology Committee will serve as advisors to the Technology Department and review progress on the Technology Strategic Plan. 2011-2012
III) This District Technology Committee will meet an average of two times a year to review the Technology Action Plan. 2011-2012
IV) This District Technology Committee will set up sub-committees to focus on key technology issues. The following committees will be formed
A) Computer Use and Internet Policy Committee
B) Technology Training Committee
C) Web Master Committee
D) Distance Learning Committee
E) E-rate Committee
F) Library Automation Committee
G) Community Training Committee
H) Computer Curriculum Committee 2011-2012
V) A Technology Department will be formed. 2011-2012
A) The District Technology Department will include the following positions: District Technology Coordinator, Elementary Computer Coordinator, Director of Data Processing, System Support Operator I, System Support Operator II, Computer Technicians, Part time Wiring Technician, Part Time Web Master Coordinator, Part time Student Technicians
2011-2012
B) The District should continue to monitor the use of outsourcing services for maintenance and technical support. As it becomes cost effective new positions should be added to the Department as needed.
ongoing
C) The District should explore adding the following full-time positions to the Department:
Middle School Computer Coordinator 2011-2012
High School Computer Coordinator 2011-2012
Web Master Training & Support Coordinator Part Time
2011-2012
D) The District should continue to support Computer Contact personnel in each building. When possible, the Computer Contacts should be given time in their schedule each day to help with building technology issues. ongoing
E) The District should continue to hire web masters on a yearly basis to make sure the web site is active over summer and at the beginning of the school year. ongoing
ongoing
F) The District should continue to support a Distance Learning Coordinator for each high school.
Goal #2:
Combine the Data Processing Department and the Technology Department in order to manage and coordinate technology and communications systems district-wide I) Student Records
II) Cafeteria Management
III) Financial Department
2011-2012
Goal #3:
Develop and maintain a District Wide Area Network I) The Technology Department will manage the users, software and hardware on the network
A) Maintain a central web servers
1) Maintain proxy server for Internet filtering
2) Develop, communicate, maintain and administer District Internet and Computer Network Policy
3) Maintain District Web Site server
4) Maintain Internet and Intranet communications
5) Maintain Email server
B) Maintain data communications equipment
C) Establish efficient communications backbone 2011-2012
Goal #4:
Automate District Libraries I) Install library automation systems in high school libraries 2011-2012
II) Install library automation systems in middle school libraries 2011-2012
III) Install library automation systems in elementary libraries 2011-2012
Communication and Information
Goal Action Plan Timeline
Goal #1:
Provide improved communication between the Technology Department and staff I) Publish a monthly technology newsletter that shares the present status of technology in the district, highlights new and interesting projects taking place, gives computer tips and reminders, lists inservice courses offered and includes other technology information. 2011-2012
II) Provide staff with a tech support personnel who can be accessed at all times by phone 2011-2012
III) Develop a Brazopsort ISD Intranet with technology support services on line
A) forms for computer repairs and requests
B) technology and wiring projects listed with timeline for completion and present status
C) mileage, supplemental pay forms
D) Provide on-line tutorials of common questions and procedures 2011-2012
Goal #2:
Increase community awareness of school district technology I) Provide introductory computer courses to the community.
II) Have technology open houses at the schools.
III) Publicize school technology events
ongoing
Goal #3:
Increase partnerships between District and community
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adapted from Brazosport ISD Technology Plan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Texas STaR Chart Presentation for 5352
I found this part of the assignment to be very difficult and time consuming because I have never created a powerpoint presentation before. I can see this as a very useful tool though once I become proficient in its creation and application.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
5352 INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP: TECHNOLOGY COMPONENT Week 2 Assignment Part 3 Post 3
This part of the assignment called for a review of the National Educational Technology Plan: Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology. After reviewing the 114 page plan I thought that its executive summary said it best so I copied and pasted it below:
Executive Summary:
Education is the key to America’s economic growth and prosperity and to our ability to compete in the global economy. It is the path to good jobs and higher earning power for Americans. It is necessary for our democracy to work. It fosters the cross-border, cross-cultural collaboration required to solve the most challenging problems of our time.
Under the Obama administration, education has become an urgent priority driven by two clear goals. By 2020,
• We will raise the proportion of college graduates from where it now stands [39%] so that 60% of our population holds a 2-year or 4-year degree.
• We will close the achievement gap so that all students – regardless of race, income, or neighborhood – graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and careers.
These are aggressive goals and achieving them is a sizable challenge. Add to the challenge the projections of most states and the federal government of reduced revenues for the foreseeable future, and it is clear we need cost-effective and cost-saving strategies that improve learning outcomes and graduation rates for millions of Americans.
Specifically, we must embrace innovation, prompt implementation, regular evaluation, and continuous improvement. The programs and projects that work must be brought to scale so every school has the opportunity to take advantage of that success. Our regulations, policies, actions, and investments must be strategic and coherent.
Executive Summary:
Education is the key to America’s economic growth and prosperity and to our ability to compete in the global economy. It is the path to good jobs and higher earning power for Americans. It is necessary for our democracy to work. It fosters the cross-border, cross-cultural collaboration required to solve the most challenging problems of our time.
Under the Obama administration, education has become an urgent priority driven by two clear goals. By 2020,
• We will raise the proportion of college graduates from where it now stands [39%] so that 60% of our population holds a 2-year or 4-year degree.
• We will close the achievement gap so that all students – regardless of race, income, or neighborhood – graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and careers.
These are aggressive goals and achieving them is a sizable challenge. Add to the challenge the projections of most states and the federal government of reduced revenues for the foreseeable future, and it is clear we need cost-effective and cost-saving strategies that improve learning outcomes and graduation rates for millions of Americans.
Specifically, we must embrace innovation, prompt implementation, regular evaluation, and continuous improvement. The programs and projects that work must be brought to scale so every school has the opportunity to take advantage of that success. Our regulations, policies, actions, and investments must be strategic and coherent.
5352 INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP: TECHNOLOGY COMPONENT Week 2 Assignment Part 3 Post 2
HERE IS WHERE MY FRUSTRATIONS AROUND TECHNOLOGY COME FROM. As of Saturday 3/5/11 at 9 am, I can not figure out how to access the website which would enable me to preview the progress report of the Texas Long Range Plan in order to fulfill the requirements for this post. I have copied the link directly from the assignment and received an error message saying that it no longer exists, or unable to access it. My frustrations also come from the time involved in trying to decipher all the updates and changes to the class received in various forms and from different people. Web conferences have changed, weekly assignments have changed, weekly overviews have changed, and with all this information things are still not working or have become outdated or changed. I am a technology moron, this class is intimidating enough and I feel completely overwhelmed and frustrated because I am unable to accomplish the requirements for the assignment and have spent the majority of my time trying to figure out the instructions for a URL address that does not work, is not current, or has changed, or maybe I just don't have the knowledge or expertise to figure it out, and that is my frustration. So in conclusion I have no idea what the progress report says because based on the information that I have I am not able to access the report.
5352 INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP: TECHNOLOGY COMPONENT Week 2 Assignment Part 3 Post 1
The area of the Texas Long Range Plan that I chose is Infrastructure for Technology. On the most current STaR Chart Summary, 2009-2010, our campus recieved a key area total of 13 which puts us in the Developing Tech range. But according to the Texas Long Range Plan we should be moving into the Advanced Tech category by now. So instead of having 5-9 students per computer, we should have 4 or less. Instead of 50% of classrooms and library having direct internet connectivity, we should be at 75%. And instead of most rooms being connected to WAN/LAN, all rooms should be on WAN/LAN. Statewide 61% of schools have moved into the Advanced Tech category, while our school is part of the 30.4% which remains in the Developing Tech category. Our school is attempting to make strides in the area. I have been there for four years now and have seen the district move to on-line attendance, grading, and most recently lesson planning. In order to accomplish this the infrastructure of the district and my campus had to be upgraded. Now it seems that every week we have technology people on campus running wires, moving and installing computers, phones, and other technology based periphanalia. Unfortunately is seems that as fast, or slow as the district moves on trying to update, by the time they get to it or have it planned, technology again has past them by and we are operating on a new system that is unfortunately already outdated. My recommendations would be for the state to take federal money, or tap the rainy day fund and invest or allocate the funds to each district to spend on infrastructure to support the Texas Long Range Technology Plan.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Week 5 Research Class
Lectures: Would not have known this was a new course unless it was mentioned all the time. Found the lectures to be clear and concise. Liked the two professor discussion back and forth.
Readings: I am not a very good reader, found the books to be kind of boring and actually a little obscure, but again this is not my learning style.
Searches: I found the searches to be extremely helpful. I have a hard time understanding how people got information before Google or other search engines.
Assignments and Activities: I find these to be the most useful and helpful for myself. I could read about action research all day for a month and then not have a clue on how to go about doing it. I feel that by the time I get done with my internship and action research project I will have a basic understanding of how to conduct one.
Discussion Board: I find it very useful to get other comments from people. I am always interested in seeing what other people think. I also enjoy reading other peoples answers and commenting on them.
Blogs: I am a technology idiot. I understand the world we live in requires it and the student population today embraces it. I just have a hard time because I am a dinosaur who did not have computers in school and have had to learn in my adult life. I consider the discussion board to really be just a different version of a blog.
Readings: I am not a very good reader, found the books to be kind of boring and actually a little obscure, but again this is not my learning style.
Searches: I found the searches to be extremely helpful. I have a hard time understanding how people got information before Google or other search engines.
Assignments and Activities: I find these to be the most useful and helpful for myself. I could read about action research all day for a month and then not have a clue on how to go about doing it. I feel that by the time I get done with my internship and action research project I will have a basic understanding of how to conduct one.
Discussion Board: I find it very useful to get other comments from people. I am always interested in seeing what other people think. I also enjoy reading other peoples answers and commenting on them.
Blogs: I am a technology idiot. I understand the world we live in requires it and the student population today embraces it. I just have a hard time because I am a dinosaur who did not have computers in school and have had to learn in my adult life. I consider the discussion board to really be just a different version of a blog.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)