Techonology Assessments

The 21^st century learner has brought on a new era that changes the way we teach.  We can no longer hide behind our textbooks, our lectures, and our note taking.  Today’s modern student will not learn the tools they need for the future by using old methods.  Therefore teachers must adapt and learn the new technology that their students have been using for years.  By incorporating different forms of technology into the lessons taught, students will be more engaged, focused, cultured into the world around them, and will establish new forms of learning.  However, how can this new form of teaching and learning be incorporated if no one is taught how to do it?  How do we know the teachers have the skills to even introduce it?  In order for any program to work, there needs to be some form of assessment.   Assessments are needed to review the program and make adjustments where needed. 

Assessing Educators Technology Leadership Knowledge and Skills

                Understanding that we need to improve ourselves and the classes we teach, I feel that teachers should be assessed on the knowledge and skills of technology.  By doing so, it will keep teachers learning about the new forms of technology, creating a 21^st century teacher.   This will improve their teaching and their students’ learning.  However, I do not feel that this assessment should reflect in their annual reviews.  A teacher should not be penalized because they are not as competent in technology as their peer.  I think the results should be included as your “personal improvement plan.”  Something they need to work towards and improve.

Assessing Student Technology Knowledge and Skills

                The entire idea behind introducing technology into the classroom is based on the improvement of student learning.  Therefore we must assess their ability to use and understand technology and its different tools.   Some districts have adopted this idea already, creating a “computers” class, where the students learn how to use different tools.  However, with some budget cuts, not every district has this or it might have been taken out.  If this is the case, then technology is not as important to that district as they may claim to be.