Technology Assessments

Many educators are now trying to integrate technology into their classrooms and assignments. However, schools and districts across Texas are assessing these educators on the skills and knowledge of the availability and use of technology along with student’s skill levels. Assessing this information only works if it has a value such as the LoTi Digital-Age Survey Results, which “creates a personalized digital-age professional development profile aligned to the NETS for Teachers” (week 1 assignment). The survey also offers recommendations in five different areas. Still, there are pros and cons of this type of assessment.

For pros, administrators could use these reports to see how each teacher evaluate themselves to help understand where each is excelling or lacking to get information across to students and proper usage of technology. Administrators would be able to easily access this information to determine if all expectations were being met from all faculty members. Where as the STaR Chart could be used to understand areas that need improvement for the school as a whole and this information would be used during teacher professional development.

For cons, educators may not be realistically evaluating themselves, due to not wanting the administration to know what he or she really thinks of the needs for technology, hindering the data administrators use to assess. There are also other factors to focus on when assessing educators, such as classroom management, experience and the way the educator presents the information. However, it would be helpful if all teachers self assessed using the Keirsey Temperament Sorter and the Multiple Intelligence Inventory.