Reflections on Technology Assessments

Over the past ten years or so I have thought of myself as a technology-savvy kind of teacher. I have computers in my classroom, use the document camera, know how to email, use Publisher, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. I have even created and posted a website.

You can imagine how my bubble burst when I completed the two technology assessments for EDLD 5352. I discovered that being able to keyboard and send emails does not a technology leader make. While I am relatively strong in the Foundations Domain, I cannot tell you the difference between analog and digital technology. I found myself feeling as if I were in a foreign country and couldn't understand the language.

The most telling domain of all was that of Solving Problems with Technology Tools. In my teaching job as a reading specialist, I use my eyes, my ears, my intuition, and a pencil to listen and assess my students. I have felt pretty comfortable in my little world behind the reading table.

I see clearly that I must break out of my 20th century mold and get current. If I am to be an educational leader, I must understand all the applications, tools and requirements demanded of our students to make them successful in the 21st century. I need to become more aware of what is required of classroom teachers and of students. I resolve to attend staff development dealing with technology and to personally set a goal of educating myself.