Technology Assessments for EDLD 5352 Week 1

After taking the Technology Applications Inventory survey, I found my greatest strength to be in the communications domain. I use technology on a daily basis to communicate with colleagues among our campus. I use multiple tools and programs to effectively share and obtain information. Our district has just implemented a new software program district wide. This program has enhanced my technological skills in this area. The poorest area of the assessment was in the problem solving domain. I believe the explanation of this outcome lies in the fact that I do not integrate other subject areas in my technology products nor do I have the background to do so. I was average in the areas of foundations and information acquisition. Though I have experience in these areas, it is minimal and needs improvement.
The SETDA Teacher Survey exposed areas of my campus/district that needs improvement in the technology field. Although my district is working hard to improve technological skills with introduction of new software programs, updated computers, and classroom equipment, we do not research enough data about how technology is impacting overall student performance. Our approach to technology is more about giving teachers and students the means but not the way. Technology is deemed very high upon our list of objectives and goals. Leaders explore and innovate new technological ideas. We are in the beginning process and our skills are getting stronger. We have ways to communicate via internet with parents and the community. Programs have been installed for parents to obtain grades, assignments, and a course syllabus for their child's class by way of computers.
I agree to a certain extent of the outcome of both surveys. I believe that they are only partially accurate and do not entail the overall success of technological skills. There were areas that I know I need to improve upon, but do not feel that I will be unsuccessful if they are not perfected. Teachers should be given the option of how much technology to place in the classroom. All students are different and learn in many different ways. However, it is vital for the teacher to take into consideration of what skills students need to know to be effective 21st century learners.