1st Article

Got Technology? Now What Will You Do With It?

http://www.education-world.com/a_issues/soapbox/soapbox004.shtml

I found this article among the Education-World Soapbox area. I may be more of a blog than an article but I thought it was very interesting. It is written by Nicholas Langlie who is an online course developer for a college in New York. It is my understanding that Mr. Langlie takes the view of it is the administrators job to figure out what the district needs and how to get them there. He says "In order for school administrators to know the value of technology in their districts, they first must appreciate the scope of what they should know and then take steps to acquire that knowledge." He compares some administrators technology knowledge with that of a seventh grader. I find that to be very accurate. Many times the kids in our elementary schools have more skills and knowledge about up to date technology than the teachers and some times the administrators. He discusses some standards that administrators should follow. These standards were set by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). They are as follows:

• Understand the elements and characteristics of long-range planning for the use of current and emerging technology -- infrastructure, budgeting, staff development, technical support, personnel, and upgrades
• Demonstrate ability to analyze and react to technology issues, concepts, and proposals, including community and corporate pressures
• Possess a "big picture" vision of technology in education and schools -- reform movement, competency-based education, standards, time allocation
• Use technology to efficiently communicate with stakeholders, via voice mail, E-mail, newsletters
• Use technology to collect and analyze data and other information to improve decision-making and other management functions -- analyzing student academic achievement tests, gathering data on variables not previously studied, and accessing global information
• Understand how current and available technologies can be effectively integrated into all aspects of the teaching and learning process -- such as the application of software and connectivity to each instructional area, access to research information, and multi-media presentations
• Understand the legal and ethical issues related to technology licensing and usage, including purchasing agreements, safety, and security issues

These standards are logical and show how an administrator could help lead at school district and it's students into the 21st Century. These are standards that I would be willing to discuss with my school administrator in hopes of getting my school and students aimed in the right direction.

J