STaR Chart and Issues on our campus

According to our STaR Chart data from the past few years, our campus is basically stagnant. However, I'm not totally convinced of that at all. The STaR Chart data is filled out each year by ALL staff, even the PE Coaches have to fill it out. Now, for those of you wondering what the STaR Chart is, it's a survey for all teachers in Texas about technology use at thier campuses. We are supposed to be using technology daily as teachers, students, and leaders. Of course this would be absurd in PE or Art to think that you would use computers daily in those classes; yet, their survey answers matter too. My campus staff scored "Developing" in the area of Teaching and Learning. I simply do not see that as the case. Our campus is one where computers, laptops, InFocus machines and the like are used in each class daily. I cannot see how our scores are mearly "Developing." I would say that we are pretty much on "Target" for that area from my point of veiw.
Now, judging from looking at the ratings for the entire state, I'd say if the report is true then we are average for a campus in Texas. In 2006 the state had approximately 74% of schools in the same "Developing" category as my school; in 2007 it reported about 70% were there as well. So, in that instance, our campus is average -however, I just don't see how. Maybe I live in a world of make-believe that says my campus is far better than the average - but I truly believe that!
As for the statistics, our campus scored between a "13" and "14" fluctuating between 2006 and 2008. Even if the survey is true in the slightest, our campus is reporting a stagnant score and not progressing. In my district progress is the name of the game. We must be moving forward by all accounts in order to do good and right by all.
So, if one is looking at our campus and the states' scores overall, we are sadly NOT moving forward in this area of teaching technology on a daily basis. We must look at ways to improve what we are doing. We must find ways to incorporate technology into the classroom; not just use it for e-mail. We must have our students on laptops (even in small groups) to become more efficient at using the technology we have. We must have them creating online projects and products rather than everything being written by hand. We must have them completing homework online (for those who do not have access to computers - provide it after regular school hours). In today's society our students will be left behind unless we take the reigns and drive the importance of technology home to our students.

We're teaching technology to Pre-Kers?!

As an educator in the public school system I am charged with many different tasks, some of which seem far too daunting at times. One of those, teach Pre-Kindergarteners technology. Yes, we are charged with the task of teaching Pre-K students pre-reading strategies, numbering, ordering, categorizing, and technology (among various other things). Some of these students can speak only a few words of English when they enter our schools; yet, somehow we teach them so many of things by the time they are 5 years old.

We begin teaching technology at age 3 and continue it's progression throughout their time with us (until graduation). We begin teaching basic skills like drawing and powerpoint presentations in Pre-K and Kindergarten and continue to build in a spiral sort of format adding more and more each year. In1st grade, our students are more than capable of sitting their parents down at a computer at the end of the year taking them through their virtual portfolios! I'm amazed more and more each year at what our students can achieve. By the time they are in 3rd grade they not only do a portfolio via the computer, they can upload and show videos of their classroom presentations as well. The world of technology is amazing; for me, I get to sit back and watch my students (and my own children) amaze me year after year. By the time our little once Pre-K students are in Middle School, they can create their own web pages. Now, we aren't required to teach them that particular skill until High School, but with the way the world works...they pick it up so easy that they learn it far earlier than they are required to.

From todays Pre-K technology to tomorrow's digital age leaders.

The Technological Trembles

For me, technology isn't really a huge quandry. I LOVE IT! Here in lies the issue, my 7th grader knows far more than I think my husband ever will (not sure he even knows what "Twitter" means). Technology for me is a daily advantange - a HUGE part of my life I couldn't live without! In my classroom however, I think I'm still grasping at ways to really address the issues I need to with technology. I use an InFocus machine almost daily to show students what I'm looking at on the Net (things like YouTube videos, specific websites, and even clips from UnitedStreaming and Tumblebooks for the younger students). Yet, somehow I still feel inadequate as far as the whole technology thing is concerned. I can't text without looking while the phone is in my pocket and I'm talking....of course ask ANY MIddle School or High School student and THEY CAN! It's one of those things I suppose that we'll have to live with...we grew up where microwaves first started out almost the same size as our ovens and cell phones were the size of...regular phones! For us (over 30) technology is something we embrace, but we will always feel like there's something we just don't understand...maybe that's why we have children!?

My response to the SETDA Teacher Survey

After taking the survey I think it pointed out several things for me as an educator. First, I need to be using more student-directed technology in the classroom. Of course, being a project-based or product-oriented class such as Art sometimes the method of delivery does not lend itself well to technology. After all, when students come to Art class they want to paint or make something from clay, they don't want to feel as though they are in a computer class. They want to DO and not just look. So, for me, I feel as though I am in a difficult situation. I must apply technology when I can; I do. However, I have to let my students experience as much as possible when they are in my classroom. Another factor in NOT having more student-directed technology in the classroom for me is time. I see the students approximately seventeen to nineteen times a year; that's all. Add to that limited number of days the fact that we also must produce grade-level shows that I have to commit to and you have really scaled the number of classes down. Oh, let us not forget the field trips, fire drills, and field days that also take away from my class time with my students. So, I do want to do more, but I feel as though my hands are truly tied. The second thing I think the survey brought to my attention is that I am more technology-literate than I think. I guess I feel behind where the teenagers are concerned, however I do know quite a bit about technology and use it in the classroom. We are on Youtube in class, we use Tumblebooks, and I even use United Streaming. So, for me, it was a bit of a boost and a reminder that I am literate and I do have technology in my classroom that I am proud of.