Review on 2 Tech Tests

The tests that I took told me just what I already knew. I have a pretty good base on how to use a computer and the basics that are necessary for an average (maybe above-average) teacher needs to know in order to be known as semi-competent with technology. The first exam (Technology Applications Inventory, TAI) showed me that I have a pretty good foundation and an average information acquistion skill. What I struggle with is solving problems and communication with technology. The second exam (SETDA Teacher Survey) gave me the same results that from the previous exam. I am fluent in the basics but am below average in the advanced skills.

As an educator of over 15 years, I find that the results are directly indication of the drive for technological development led by administration. Most of the required technology staff development sessions are focused on a new attendance/grading system or e-mail protocol. There have been time to time opportunities to attend a 40 minute session covering Word or the newest Windows operating systems (guts session). These are the weaknesses that our (my current) technology leadership have demostrated. As for myself as an administrator, I feel that I would want my teaching staff to be competent with the four areas of Word Processing (i.e. Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook). If I want my staff diversifying their lessons by incorporating technology into their plans, I would want to provide all the training possible to move the teacher from novice to advanced (at least past developing). I would want to give incentives (stipend, Comp time, planning days) for staff to attend summer trainings to become more fluent in the above mentioned technology.

I found the assessments interestingly difficult to answer (SETDA), but clear with their results (TAI). The results were predictable and I would imagine that to a non-technology teacher, the norm throughout Texas.