Standard+VII


 * Week 4 Assignment, Part 4.5: Reflections on Technology Facilitator Standard ** VII: ** Procedures, Policies, Planning, and Budgeting for Technology **

**__Self –Assessment __** What I have learned from chapter seven readings is the complexities involved in establishing a reliable infrastructure in a school district. Thus, ISTE’s establishment of Standard VII, which focuses on procedures, policies, planning, and budgeting. As I understand, because of its complexities, Standard VII requires specialized skills and training which falls on the technology facilitators and leaders to implement.

In reading Williamson & Redish (2009) they quoted from Whitehead, Jensen, & Boschee (2003, p. 162), “… Administrators have access to personnel who have a technology background and understand how to address these problems,” this past year I have experienced how important this statement is. Our campus no longer has a Campus Instructional Technologist (CIT) to provide assistance to our Administrator. Recently my computer would black out while teaching with the SmartBoard, our tech support said it was my internal battery that was out. When I approached Administration about purchasing a new battery they said they would try. Apparently they had to jump through hoops to figure out how to shift budget money.

I have always been proud of the advancement and strides our district has made in revolutionizing our technology. I have always credited our assistant superintendent for technology for having the vision to bring out district into the 21st century in technology and standardizing and equalizing schools in our district. When I first began my courses with Lamar in our readings I found that our school/district was on the right track in following the design of technology implementation. What really was exciting to read was the case study which described what our district went through. This time there was no resemblance, Williamson and Redish presented a case study from Rick Martinez at Southwest I.S.D., my district! Our district is a great example of what can be done with a leader who has the vision. Unfortunately since Rick Martinez’s retirement and the down turn of our economy our district has implemented major cutbacks. Technology has suffered with the cutbacks we no longer have, “campus instructional technologist, 100 teacher-technology leaders, funding for replacement/upgrade costs, etc. I truly feel that this would not have happened if Rick had not left the district for he would have the experience and wisdom to problem-solve and find funding.

After reading the Rick Martinez’s case study it was an insight to the process of building a reliable infrastructure. It was like having an out of body experience. Rick implemented a technology proficiency program which our campus was the first to complete proficiency one with the help of our campus instructional technologist. Though we no longer have campus instructional technologist to provide technology training and curriculum implementation, I have assumed that role as a technology leader. In sharing with my Academic Coach, Vice Principal and Principal, my knowledge, skills, and readings from courses they now rely on my expertise.
 * __Learn as a Learner __**

I have learned in reading chapter seven that there are obstacles to implementing technology with lack of access being number one. On our campus, that is not our obstacle it is lack of ongoing support. As part of my field-based activities, in collaborating with my Academic Coach, I shared with her the results of my research of free online software and how I planned to implement into core subjects my information into SmartBoard training (TF-VII). Many of the sites I found provided the following: drill and practice, tutorials, productivity, games, etc. Also related to standard seven (TF-VII.B.3), I shared procedures related to troubleshooting and preventive maintenance using the SmartBoard. As a result of the information learned through completing these activities, I have the knowledge that I need in order to help cast the vision for technology integration in my district. From what I have learned, the vision must be initiated by a campus or district leader and then developed collaboratively among the staff

As a mature learner, I know that I prefer auditory, visual and hands-on learning. After hearing an overview of content being presented, I like to see a visual presentation whether through powerpoint, videos, movies, etc. And to supplement instruction, I strongly believe in hand-on learning through CAI (computer assisted instruction). CAI are, “Computer programs that are interactive and can illustrate a concept through attractive animation, sound, and demonstration. The CAI programs allow students to progress at their own pace, work individual or problem solve in a group” (U.S. Department of Education,, 2006). CAI assist in RTI by allowing students to work on their level and receive immediate feedback. I know by utlizing what works for me, could only enhance my student’s learning. As a future technology leader, I must consider the needs of my teachers. Providing access to hardware and technology skills is not enough. I must budget to provide the continous training and feedback. As a result of sharing procedures related to troubleshooting SmartBoard, there are few calls to technology help desk.

**__Lifelong Learning Skills __** The information gained was valuable in that I have a better understanding of the framework necessary to create a reliable infrastructure. But at this stage in my career, I doubt if I would ever be in a position to implement policies, planning and budgeting for technology environments. Presently we have a teacher that is our technology representative but not at the level as described for facilitators in Standard VII.

My future learning experience and implementation of standard indicators can be successful with the assistance of my colleagues. Hopefully collaboration with my Academic Coach and Administration will help me in providing the necessary training and curriculum integration need for our campus. By making myself available for research-based support and supporting my technology leader will make a great impact on our campus.

In the near future, our district will face some interesting challenges and or issues. Since the departure of Mr. Martinez I would like to investigate how future technology plans in my district will be created. Who will have input in planning and how will it be carried out? Is technology part of my Superintendent’s vision? In terms of dollars, how much will our technology budget increase or decrease?

**References **

U.S. Department of Education. ( December, 2006). //Computer-Assisted Instruction//

//and Science. // The Access Center: Improving Outcomes for All Students K-8,

Office of Special Education Programs. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of

Education Cooperative Agreement.

Redish, J. W. (2009). //ISTE's Technology facilitation and leadership standards.//

Eugene: International Society for Technology in Education.