Texas STaR Chart
View more presentations from jkcummings.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Texas STaR Chart
Check out this SlideShare Presentation. It show how the STaR Chart is used to provide information on the implementation of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology:
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Unashamed Plug
My wife and I are so very excited! Her first book, Knights of Warsaw, is being released March 2, 2010 by Tate Publishing Co. It can be purchased on-line now. For more information go to http://www.knightsofwarsaw.com
Texas Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020: Teaching and Learning
Texas Long Range Plan for Technology (LRPT) defines a need for change in our schools. Technology permeates our society. It has become an essential part of the infrastructure of public and private institutions including business and government. Each year, the number of US graduates proficient in technology skills is less than that of other countries. This fact is the reason for the long range plan.
Our students are “digital natives.” They “interface” with their world through technology daily. Consequently, their minds are predisposed to acquiring information through technology. Educators knowing this will use technology to more effectively teach content while sharpening the student’s skills relative to technology. However, this predisposition does not insure that they develop the technology skills need for the 21st century.
There are many benefits of the implementation of technology in education. Technology should become an active and effective piece of instruction in all grades to aid students in being engaged in learning and prepared for real world experiences.
To promote and support academic excellence, the LRPT addresses four areas: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure. Teaching and Learning is the final goal. It is a good place to begin understanding the LRPT and guide our understanding of the other areas.
Teaching and Learning in the LRPT is defined as environments were all learners: “have access to relevant technologies, tools, resources, and services for individualized instruction 24/7; use information and communication technologies to collaborate, construct knowledge and provide solutions to real-world problems; use research based strategies in all subject areas to improve academic achievement; and communicate effectively in a variety of formats for diverse audiences.” – (Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, A Report to the 80th Texas Legislature from the Texas Education Agency, page 29)
Progress in the LRPT Teaching and Learning is often slow to come. The other three areas are foundational and experience a learning curve. Because education is a public institution, change often is slower than desired. Many forces contribute to this problem. One of the most complicated forces is the conservative nature of the public education system. Ethical concerns and legal liabilities frustrate the progress. Information of all types is readily available to all ages via the internet. Control technology used by most school districts is limited. Consequently, districts tend to be very conservative and error on the side of caution.
One trend that may help alleviant these concerns is the development of private technology companies that provide products that guarantee internet security. These companies are developing the tools to address these issues. Districts should seek opportunities to converse with these companies and seek to find the funding to purchase their products.
Our students are “digital natives.” They “interface” with their world through technology daily. Consequently, their minds are predisposed to acquiring information through technology. Educators knowing this will use technology to more effectively teach content while sharpening the student’s skills relative to technology. However, this predisposition does not insure that they develop the technology skills need for the 21st century.
There are many benefits of the implementation of technology in education. Technology should become an active and effective piece of instruction in all grades to aid students in being engaged in learning and prepared for real world experiences.
To promote and support academic excellence, the LRPT addresses four areas: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure. Teaching and Learning is the final goal. It is a good place to begin understanding the LRPT and guide our understanding of the other areas.
Teaching and Learning in the LRPT is defined as environments were all learners: “have access to relevant technologies, tools, resources, and services for individualized instruction 24/7; use information and communication technologies to collaborate, construct knowledge and provide solutions to real-world problems; use research based strategies in all subject areas to improve academic achievement; and communicate effectively in a variety of formats for diverse audiences.” – (Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, A Report to the 80th Texas Legislature from the Texas Education Agency, page 29)
Progress in the LRPT Teaching and Learning is often slow to come. The other three areas are foundational and experience a learning curve. Because education is a public institution, change often is slower than desired. Many forces contribute to this problem. One of the most complicated forces is the conservative nature of the public education system. Ethical concerns and legal liabilities frustrate the progress. Information of all types is readily available to all ages via the internet. Control technology used by most school districts is limited. Consequently, districts tend to be very conservative and error on the side of caution.
One trend that may help alleviant these concerns is the development of private technology companies that provide products that guarantee internet security. These companies are developing the tools to address these issues. Districts should seek opportunities to converse with these companies and seek to find the funding to purchase their products.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Accelerate Technology, TCEA 2009
Austin hosted the 29th Annual Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) Convention and Exposition February 2-6, 2009. This was my first time to attend the convention. The convention provided over 200 sessions on a wide range of topics. As usual when attending educational conferences, the wealth of ideas exchanged created information overload but I'm excited about implementing some select ideas in my class this spring.
I previewed Camtasia Studio 6 by TechSmith, and plan to secure a copy to help in developing a wide range of media for use by my students. Camtasia does it all and is very easy to use delivering HD quality in small file sizes. Two existing production presets (blog and web) and three new presets (YouTube, HD display, and Screencast.com) which replaces FLV, make media delivery so easy. You can record your PC screen and create professional-looking videos that clearly demonstrate a process, a product, or an idea. Check it out at www.TechSmith.com/CamtasiaStudio.
Additionally I picked up some valuable tips to use with my SMARTboard that incorporates Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) methods to use with my ESL students. I know these will help them be more successful.
I learned of some free Podcast utilities. Check out Audacity, Podcast Generator, Photostory3 and CamStudio.
I discovered some excellent science education websites. Take a look at ScienceNetLinks.com and Edheads.org.
Also worth mentioning was a presentation by Patrick Crispen of California State University, Longbeach. Accessibility 101: Cutting Through the FUD presented how the content you and your students create and post to the web can be accessed by people with disabilities. See NetSquirrel.com for more information.
You can bet that I'll be back next year for the 30th annual TCEA Convention and Exposition. You should do your best to be there. It will certainly be worth your time and effort.
I previewed Camtasia Studio 6 by TechSmith, and plan to secure a copy to help in developing a wide range of media for use by my students. Camtasia does it all and is very easy to use delivering HD quality in small file sizes. Two existing production presets (blog and web) and three new presets (YouTube, HD display, and Screencast.com) which replaces FLV, make media delivery so easy. You can record your PC screen and create professional-looking videos that clearly demonstrate a process, a product, or an idea. Check it out at www.TechSmith.com/CamtasiaStudio.
Additionally I picked up some valuable tips to use with my SMARTboard that incorporates Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) methods to use with my ESL students. I know these will help them be more successful.
I learned of some free Podcast utilities. Check out Audacity, Podcast Generator, Photostory3 and CamStudio.
I discovered some excellent science education websites. Take a look at ScienceNetLinks.com and Edheads.org.
Also worth mentioning was a presentation by Patrick Crispen of California State University, Longbeach. Accessibility 101: Cutting Through the FUD presented how the content you and your students create and post to the web can be accessed by people with disabilities. See NetSquirrel.com for more information.
You can bet that I'll be back next year for the 30th annual TCEA Convention and Exposition. You should do your best to be there. It will certainly be worth your time and effort.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Common Craft: Uncommonly Good!
Recently while doing research for a graduate class, I found an excellent web-site that does a phenomenal job of making "complex ideas easy to understand using short and simple videos." I strongly recommend that teachers, principals, and instructional technologists view Common Craft's videos on wiki, blogs, pod casting, and RSS in Plain English. These videos will help teachers become familiar with Internet technologies and their importance. With the push toward integrating technology in the learning environment, it is imperative that become Internet savvy. Professional learning communities like school faculties will benefit not only by integrating these tools into their instruction but also by using them to collaborate.
Check it out!
http://www.commoncraft.com/
Check it out!
http://www.commoncraft.com/
Sunday, July 20, 2008
A great overview of the new NETS for Students
ISTE's Implementing the Refreshed NETS•S
Online Line Professional Development: The NETS•S in the Class Room.
http://moodle.iste.org/course/view.php?id=17
This online professional development provided by the International Society for Technology in Education, ISTE, under a grant from the Hewlett-Packard Company is an excellent workshop and resource for teachers. It covers two topics: the refreshed National Education Technology Standards for Students, and the Essential Conditions for implementing these standards. As part of the requirements for a graduate class, Instructional Leadership in Educational Technology, I worked through the online workshop and found it to be help and of a high quality. Afterwards, I rated the site using the rubric shown below.
Navigation & Design
1. Easily navigable- 4 of 4
2. Clearly labeled, working links- 3 of 4
3. Easy page-to-page movement- 4 of 4
4. Interactive with question capability- 4 of 4
5. Appropriate page format- 4 of 4
6. Easily located information- 3 of 4
7. Visually appealing (good use of color and graphics)- 4 of 4
8. Loads quickly- 4 of 4
Content
9. Proper title(s)- 4 of 4
10. Correct, current information- 4 of 4
11. Additional resource links- 4 of 4
12. Clearly stated purpose(s)- 4 of 4
13. Content that challenges reflection and discussion- 4 of 4
Appropriateness
14. Useful for research- 4 of 4
15. Audience appropriate- 4 of 4
16. Appropriate vocabulary- 4 of 4
17. Related to professional/student objectives- 4 of 4
Authenticity
18. Contact/ author’s name- 4 of 4
19. Contact/author’s email address- 4 of 4
20. Website host’s name- 4 of 4
21. Date of creation- 4 of 4
22. Updated information- 4 of 4
23. Reliability- 4 of 4
24. Validity- 4 of 4
Total Points (Is this page a reliable, valid source of information?) 94 of 96
After the introduction, the workshop establishes the purpose by asking the question, "Why standards?" Essentially, our world is becoming one community linked via the internet. Global citizens must be proficient in using computer and internet associated technologies. Next, the workshop established the focus for the workshop on cognitive and learning skills, as well as creativity and innovation. The six standard areas are: Creativity and Innovation; Communication and Collaboration; Research and Information Fluency; Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making; and, Digital Citizenship Technology Operations and Concepts. Each of these areas is divided into indicators and is described in detail.
The workshop further defines these indicators by reviewing profiles that highlight important types of learning activities. These examples help bring the standards to life and show the variety of activities possible. The profiles are divided into four grade ranges.
The successful implementation of technology is directly related to supports. The online workshop labels these supports as Essential Conditions and include the following: shared vision; implementation planning,; consistent and adequate funding; equitable access; skilled personnel; ongoing professional learning; technical support; curriculum framework; student-centered learning; assessment and evaluation; engaged communities; support policies; and supportive external context. This section includes a survey to help a teacher evaluate their school's essential conditions.
The next section of the workshop provides videos that show schools successfully implementing educational technology. Teachers taking the online workshop then reflect on the videos to identify the standards being implemented in those schools.
At this point in the workshop, the teacher should have a good understanding of the standards and is provided the opportunity to create their own technology-supported lesson plan that will be posted in the ISTE database for access by other teachers. Upon completing this lesson plan, the teacher is then allowed to access the database to view other lesson plans created by other teachers.
Teachers not familiar with the new NETS will benefit from this workshop. Teachers already familiar with them will also benefit by having access to the lesson plans of thousands of other teachers working to change the class room into a 21st century classroom. -Keith C
Online Line Professional Development: The NETS•S in the Class Room.
http://moodle.iste.org/course/view.php?id=17
This online professional development provided by the International Society for Technology in Education, ISTE, under a grant from the Hewlett-Packard Company is an excellent workshop and resource for teachers. It covers two topics: the refreshed National Education Technology Standards for Students, and the Essential Conditions for implementing these standards. As part of the requirements for a graduate class, Instructional Leadership in Educational Technology, I worked through the online workshop and found it to be help and of a high quality. Afterwards, I rated the site using the rubric shown below.
Navigation & Design
1. Easily navigable- 4 of 4
2. Clearly labeled, working links- 3 of 4
3. Easy page-to-page movement- 4 of 4
4. Interactive with question capability- 4 of 4
5. Appropriate page format- 4 of 4
6. Easily located information- 3 of 4
7. Visually appealing (good use of color and graphics)- 4 of 4
8. Loads quickly- 4 of 4
Content
9. Proper title(s)- 4 of 4
10. Correct, current information- 4 of 4
11. Additional resource links- 4 of 4
12. Clearly stated purpose(s)- 4 of 4
13. Content that challenges reflection and discussion- 4 of 4
Appropriateness
14. Useful for research- 4 of 4
15. Audience appropriate- 4 of 4
16. Appropriate vocabulary- 4 of 4
17. Related to professional/student objectives- 4 of 4
Authenticity
18. Contact/ author’s name- 4 of 4
19. Contact/author’s email address- 4 of 4
20. Website host’s name- 4 of 4
21. Date of creation- 4 of 4
22. Updated information- 4 of 4
23. Reliability- 4 of 4
24. Validity- 4 of 4
Total Points (Is this page a reliable, valid source of information?) 94 of 96
After the introduction, the workshop establishes the purpose by asking the question, "Why standards?" Essentially, our world is becoming one community linked via the internet. Global citizens must be proficient in using computer and internet associated technologies. Next, the workshop established the focus for the workshop on cognitive and learning skills, as well as creativity and innovation. The six standard areas are: Creativity and Innovation; Communication and Collaboration; Research and Information Fluency; Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making; and, Digital Citizenship Technology Operations and Concepts. Each of these areas is divided into indicators and is described in detail.
The workshop further defines these indicators by reviewing profiles that highlight important types of learning activities. These examples help bring the standards to life and show the variety of activities possible. The profiles are divided into four grade ranges.
The successful implementation of technology is directly related to supports. The online workshop labels these supports as Essential Conditions and include the following: shared vision; implementation planning,; consistent and adequate funding; equitable access; skilled personnel; ongoing professional learning; technical support; curriculum framework; student-centered learning; assessment and evaluation; engaged communities; support policies; and supportive external context. This section includes a survey to help a teacher evaluate their school's essential conditions.
The next section of the workshop provides videos that show schools successfully implementing educational technology. Teachers taking the online workshop then reflect on the videos to identify the standards being implemented in those schools.
At this point in the workshop, the teacher should have a good understanding of the standards and is provided the opportunity to create their own technology-supported lesson plan that will be posted in the ISTE database for access by other teachers. Upon completing this lesson plan, the teacher is then allowed to access the database to view other lesson plans created by other teachers.
Teachers not familiar with the new NETS will benefit from this workshop. Teachers already familiar with them will also benefit by having access to the lesson plans of thousands of other teachers working to change the class room into a 21st century classroom. -Keith C
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