Technology
Plan Part 1
The technology plan I selected is from the
Greenwich Public School. It is an online plan that I
chose since
the program I work with does not have a technology plan. This plan does meet
and
exceeds the expectations
of criterion in the rubric. The plan’s vision statement is evident on the first
page of the document
where it state, that under their plan’s vision by the 21st century, their
classrooms will ensure that
technology is an integral and ubiquitous part of a flexible and relevant
environment;
where students will be
challenged to responsibly demonstrate knowledge of the use of
technology and information resources
and to think critically and creatively about solving problems in
an effective and efficient
manner.
There is a mission statement that does
meet the criteria of the rubric with its clear focus on the
instructional
outcomes, and a clear indication of the school’s district plan to ensure its technology
in
education
is a teaching and learning tool. When the plan used, it will be effective in its support to
help
transform the way students interact and enjoy personal growth. In addition, the goals for the
plan as exceeded
the expectations of the rubric. It is very broad and was designed to meet every
student learning styles
and level. The goals outlined a variety of expectations. For example, it has a
goal for curriculum integration,
professional learning, equitable access and resources, the funding
goals for
the life of the plan and
the evaluation that will develop a continuous process of evaluation
and
accountability for teaching
and learning for technology.
In my observation, the biggest
positives about the plan are that it has a very colorful and bold
outlook
to its layout. The headings and sub-heading are in bold forms. In addition, there is much
useful instructions/information
found under every heading. For example, there is an introduction,
vision for
the plan, a
mission that the plan sets out to accomplish a review section as well as focus
area and a variety of goals
and strategies for guiding the user and making the plan user friendly.
While it is important to have multiple
strategies because of the different learning styles students
bring to
the classroom, some of the negatives I have observed with the plan is that the
set goals are
too many and
very in-depth. For example, there are approximately seven different sub-headings
of
goals with various
expectations. I believe it is too much; hence, with regard to changes I would
make
to the plan, would include
eliminating some of the instructions and condensing the expectations. This
is
due to the prevention
of overwhelming students.
Whether
or not this plan accomplished its goals, I would definitely say to an extend it
did, despite
the intensity
of it content. It is important to also, understand that in a classroom there
are different
populations
of students. Therefore, this technology plan much be implemented across the
school board, and it must be differentiated to accommodate all its students.
Technology
plan part 2
In the article, “Developing Effective
Technology Plans” by John See, he mentions some very
important
points that are still relevant in technology plans to date. It is still
important to have in the
school,
technology support personnel who will be available and willing to attend workshops and
staff
development meeting in order to be aware
and be informed of the various
technological
advancements.
The personnel must be willing to attend these training sessions, like the author
mentioned
in the article and stated, that it is
the school districts’ responsibility to provide its staff
with
professional Development. This, ultimately will benefit the individual worker
for his or her own
personal
and professional growth. Another aspect that
is still applicable to today’s technology plan is
having
sufficient funds to supply the school with updated device and equipment.
On the other hand, some of the
information mentioned in the article is no longer relevant
to
today’s technology plan. For example, spending thousands of dollars for a
device that serves
only
one purpose is no longer an issue. In the world today, there are different ways
to ensure
that
money is allocated correctly; almost every technological device today can be
used for
multiple
purposes. In fact, there is no need to purchase a special device for teaching
keyboarding
since almost every student has a phone or access to a phone and very often,
acquires
this
skill from texting and or playing video games. Moreover, having them practice
on an old
type-writer
will definitely be highly annoying to
students in today’s classrooms. Students are
coming
into the classroom with the pre- knowledge of keyboarding from a very tender
age.
Teaching
keyboarding is no longer a priority for schools. The priority for schools today
is to
have
the fastest working network systems and the most advanced equipment.
