The Value of Assessing Technology Leadership and Skills

Post #1- Assessing technology knowledge and skills is an absolute necessity due to the fast growing technological advances in society. The 21st Century Learner requires more to be engaged at a high level in the classroom because of technology use at home. Educator’s can no longer engage students the old way. Teachers are now in completion with the latest tech toys such as Xbox, iPods, tablets, and e-readers. The technology assessments are holding teachers accountable for being able to compete and successfully engage the 21st century learner. Teachers need to be capable of performing management task through technology such as attendance, grades, email, and inputting/analyzing data. Assessing teachers’ technology skills informs school administrator of what technology related professional development the campus needs. Assessing students’ technological knowledge and skills allow teacher to see what equipment the kids can operate. It also allows educators to see how students feel they learn best. One article quoted a student’s opinion about technology use in schools. In Stansbury (2007), the student discussed the yearning that today’s learners have to be challenged through technology. “When we talk about needing technology in the classroom, we’re not just talking about using a laptop to type a book report…we’re talking about using out-side-of the-box thinking to foster learning.” (Stansbury, 2001, p.17) Assessing students about their technology use gives educators insight from the most important stakeholders in education, the kids! Pros • Teacher accountability • Needs assessment for workshops and trainings • Engaging 21st Century Learners with the right tools • Insight from students Cons • Teachers not taking the assessment seriously (Inaccurate responses).

Reference: Stansbury, M.(2007). Savvy educators reveal secrets of reform.eSchool News. 10(9), 17.