Technology Assessments

Assessments provide a starting point from which determinations and plans can be made. Once we realize what type of learner a person is, whether the educator or the student, we can be better equipped to determine the actions we need to take in order to achieve a successful outcome. Personality assessments provide an idea of what skills the person already has achieved and can help to determine what skills need to be strengthened before moving forward.

By evaluating the educator’s technology leadership knowledge and skills we have a starting point from which we can build upon. Some educators need to attend workshops in order to master a skill before teaching to a classroom. Some may be more advanced and ready to integrate technology into the classroom. By assessing the educator’s strengths and weaknesses in technology, schools are better prepared for the students. The pros of utilizing a technology assessment in a school district can provide an insight to the educator’s readiness for incorporating technology into their curriculum. When reviewing the Birdville ISD Watauga Elementary campus on the STaR Chart, many key areas were on the decline. The main key area that showed decline was in Teaching and Learning. Possibly, teachers aren’t properly prepared themselves in order to incorporate the technology needed to meet the TEKS standards. Educators may need to be educated in technology knowledge before they are ready to use the technology in the classroom.

By assessing the knowledge and skill of student technology skill levels and their perceived needs, we will be better informed of our diverse learners. Some students may need extra help while some may be more advanced.

For educators and students, I do not believe there is a “con” to perform a technology assessment. In order to incorporate a 21st century opportunity into the classroom and prepare our students for the real world, educators and students alike must be prepared. The technology assessments provide a starting point for this opportunity to happen.