Standard+I


 * Reflections on Technology Facilitator Standard I: Technology Operations and Concepts **

TF/TL Standard I addresses Technology Operations and Concepts. This standard explains the basic needs of effective educators to have general knowledge of today’s technology including identifying various hardware and basic computer components, being familiar with common features and functions of operating systems, applying basic troubleshooting techniques, selecting and using the correct software for specific tasks, practicing proper care and maintenance of technology, understanding common internet features and communication tools, and having knowledge of basic networking and infrastructure.

During this program, I have learned and shown other teachers how to perform the aforementioned tasks (TF-I.A.1 and A.2). I have been to many workshops and trainings that pertain to operations and concepts from Microsoft Office, to Eduphoria, to basic grade book and attendance training. Most of my experience has been with isolated use of technology where teachers are just shown the basic “ins and outs” of some new technology. I have also shown fellow teachers how to use Gradespeed, the production center via the Internet, a common drive to save collaborative documents, and update and maintain their own website.

The best training I have attended has been on the Classroom Performance System (or clickers) where they actually modeled using the technology through integration of an actual lesson. Not only did I learn how to use the clicker system and run reports, but I also learned how to integrate the system into my classroom. I have actually used CPS numerous times in my classroom and it is an excellent tool for formative and summative assessment.

I think it is essential for current educators to know how to use basic technological skills to educate the students of today. Not only do they need to know these skills to do things such as take attendance, enter grades, and communicate with parents, but they must also delve deeper and begin using technology to enhance learning and student achievement.

I think most teachers are agreeable to learning basic technology skills; however, most of the training offered my district is not mandatory and teachers must attend sessions on their own time. There are a handful of skills that teachers are required to do (like attendance and grades), but most other training is optional. In order to move our district in to a leader on the technology forefront, our district must do more to ensure teachers can not only do basic technology tasks, but use web 2.0 tools as well.

I suppose one thing I have a question about is why my district doesn’t make sure teachers have basic technology skills before entering the classroom. I remember about 10 years ago, all teachers had to get certified in five areas of basic technology. Do they still make teachers do that? Many teachers at my school cannot even scan a document in using the copier.

I am also puzzled by the fact that teachers are not expected to get annual professional development on new or existing technology. Teachers of gifted and talented students must obtain an initial 36 hours of training in order to teacher TAG students. They must also get an additional 7 hours of training each year to continue to teach advanced students. Why are we not also doing this with technology and ways to use technology in the classroom? Surely, educators can find a way to tie these two initiatives together!

Citations:

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //Technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do //. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education