Technology+Leader+and+Facilitator+Standard+VIII

Standard VIII looks at the administrative aspects of leadership and vision for the educational technologist. Technologist’s responsibilities in this area include discussing and evaluating current research; discuss technology’s educational history; discuss the rationale for creating partnerships with other schools to support technological integration and examine existing partnerships within a school setting; participate in cooperative groups and identify the effective processes; conduct evaluations of the school technology environment; identify and discuss standards at all governmental levels in regards to integrating technology into schools; describe curriculum activities that meet those standards; discuss issues in developing a school technology plan; discuss the elements and strategies for developing a strategic plan; examine hardware and software acquisition and management issues; and analyze components needed for effective field-based experiences in instructional programs, professional development, facility and resource management, WAN/LAN/wireless systems, or managing change related to school technology use (Solomon, 2009).

By creating a test using “clickers”, I implemented current research in increasing student engagement while administering an assessment. I noticed a definite increase in student interest in taking the test. Two other benefits were that students received immediate feedback on whether they were correct and it gave other opportunity for discussion related to the question. I am still contemplating how to address the issues related to this kind of testing. One issue is the extended amount of time that administering the test takes; another is the issue of students being able to correct the test without a paper version. Attending the Technology Committee meetings gave me the opportunity to participate in the group process, discuss technology integration according to various levels governmental standards, and discuss issues and way to improve the school and district’s technology integration plan. However, since the technology policy has moved to the central administrative offices, the technology committee’s role has diminished from what it was in previous years.

Developing the teacher technology survey, I created one tool to evaluate the technology climate on our campus. Knowing how comfortable teachers are with the various available technology tools, will allow us to know how likely they are to use the technology resources and what areas they need additional training in. This allows the school to plan more useful and effective professional development strategies.