Reflections on Week One Assessments

After completing the Technology Applications Inventory Assessment as well as the SETDA survey, I am more respectful of the knowledge and skills that are needed for educators to meet the requirements for TEKS implementation.
Regarding the Technology Applications Inventory, I was able to comprehend the breakdown of the various domains. Even though I am stronger in the Foundation Domain, I realize that I have multiple areas of weakness within all the domains. Within the area of Problem Solving With Technology Tools, I am saddened to learn that I am still quite limited in my knowledge.
The SETDA survey provides a different way of assessing technology usage in that it addresses need for shared vision and teacher responsibility. This survey was extremely disheartening in its examination of my school and own personal use. The SETDA addresses various different needs as well as possible strengths and weaknesses on the part of the educational system. I became acutely aware of the need for more data collection and examination in my school district. In defense of my school, I state that our technology professionals are excellent at what they do, but that their hands are tied by time and budget. Teachers also are limited on time, and even though ongoing opportunities for technology integration are offered, without a familiarity on how to obtain and collect data, achievement and failure will not be documented in this fashion. Also in defense of the district, budgeting is tight and computer usage is therefore limited. There are just not enough computers. The labs are full on a daily basis and not large enough to support class size.
Overall, the assessment and survey reiterate that technology is mandatory and its importance is ever growing. I am more in tune with my need to develop more to meet the requirements of the domains. Also, as a future administrator, I am even more aware of the need to focus on the importance of meeting the TEKS directives.