Technology assessment for one and all is vital to the progress of individual schools and school districts. Without assessing where individual educators and students knowledge and skills are within the technology framework, it would be difficult to plan for the future of all stakeholders involved.
Using the Texas StaR chart, for example, helps districts in defining and indicating the areas of most need per individual school. The district can then plan for more and appropriate professional development if this is the area of need. Teaching educators to use technology to incorporate into their subject area, and creating more student center learning opportunities will move the school and district to help the 21st Century learner. Perhaps the district could even create some professional development opportunities for the 21st Century learner making their education more relevant and engaging.
Technology assessment also has a place in helping educators make purchasing decisions on everything from infrastructure right down to which software and how many licenses to buy.
The downside I can see to the STaR chart is that is relies much on the input of teachers and administrators. Technology can be good in a school – then comes time for the STaR chart assessment. I have heard of teachers downgrading the true role technology plays in their daily classroom lives. To what avail – I could not truly say, other that disgruntled people having a bad experiences equaling a not so stellar assessment. How to improve upon this to keep it from happening? Your guess is as good as mine. As a matter of fact, if anyone reading this has any ideas, please feel free to comment!
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