Why access technology skills?

At the former campus where I instructed, it was very possible that you’d walk into a classroom where an expensive Smartboard (digital chalkboard) was pushed into the corner of the classroom or collected dust right in the middle of the classroom. Some teachers would tape paper over their Smartboard because it was pegged to their chalkboard that they frequently used. From an outsider’s perspective, this may seem like madness but if the administration had assessed which faculty members were technologically literate, that would not have happened.

It is very important campus leaders understand the technological literacy of their campus. Consequently, a campus where teachers are proficient in technology integration and students are technologically literate, the administrator could then comfortably adopt virtual educational tools that allow students to create their own environments. Such engagement will allow students to arrive at their own conclusions, a true example of learning. Also, at a campus that has older veteran teachers who are not technologically literate, the administrator could budget professional development workshops in technology integration instead of digital tools that would be unused.  

How the technological assessments are used can either benefit or harm a campus. Each campus should be treated by the district on a campus by campus basis to eradicate any unhealthy competition placed on administrators. However, campuses that scored rather highly on the technology pre-assessments should not be placed on a pedestal that requires more district funds than other schools. The high school where I taught did not have a wireless network but I was able to browse with my personal laptop when I did a departmental professional development workshop at a MIDDLE school. Texas school districts should remember that the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology assures equitable access to a technology-enhanced curriculum. Technological assessments are very valuable if the close educational gaps instead of widening them.