Technology Surveys

My teaching assignment at Early Middle School is 6th, 7th and 8th grade technology applications. While I was completing these surveys I experienced a very positive outcome because I use technology everyday in the classroom and my campus. Reflecting on the Technology Applications Survey, I found that most of my responses were yes. I found that the first two domains, foundations and information acquisition, that I answered yes to all the questions. These two domains cover all the basic computer and technology functions that I teach and use in the classroom and my campus. The third domain, solving problems, I found that a few of the questions covered some technology that we do not have access to. Such as virtual reality or simulations. I am currently working with my campus principal to add some of this to the curriculum. The communication section of this survey I found that I also answered a few questions with a no. My middle school campus does not have access to editing video or audio. Our students receive this information at the high school level.

The SETDA survey covers everything from what we use in the classroom to professional development. This survey also asks what the results were in certain activities and how we perceived the students outcomes. I particularly like the sections where it wants us to rate our staff development experiences. Our school offers staff development in the summer for technology, but I have suggested and have not heard back, that we expand it to help with strategies for our classrooms.

I believe that I am strong in the area of technology because of my experience as a technology teacher. I do have some weaknesses in the classroom in the areas of virtual reality and simulation software because these are not available at my level in my district. My strengths to my middle school students are that I am proficient in the basics of technology. I believe as a technology teacher that the middle school students need to be proficient in the technology basics in order to be successful at the high school and college levels.