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Technology Assessments

     Assessments are a method of evaluating. They can help the assessor gain insight which will, in turn, help with decisions that need to be made. An assessment is a common, accepted practice that could be classified as an old thing (Prensky, 2008). Who we are assessing is also an accepted idea. Teachers and students have been assessed by standardized testing, informal assessment, performances and results throughout their careers. What is new in this assessment is what we are assessing, technology skills.  I believe the same argument for the value in having assessments for students and teachers in core subjects applies to the argument that there is value in having assessments in technology skills.
     In assessing technology it is first important to collect information. The Texas STaR Chart gives a variety of descriptions that help assess whether a teacher is using teacher- centered instruction or student-centered learning. There is also the question as to how often students and teachers use software applications and tutorial software. Does the teacher integrate technology into the foundation subjects? Student knowledge and skills information also can be collected. Once the information is collected, it must be interpreted. Why is there no technology integrated into the foundation subjects? Once answers are found, decisions can be made  to improve the technical skills and improve the technical integration into the classroom. If the information is not collected, there can be not decisions as how to proceed.
     I am a fan of assessments. I see their value.  Like any assessment, they can be stressful. There is also the problem of making an accurate assessment. How will teachers be evaluated and who will evaluate them?  Who will evaluate the students? Would a third party be the best one to access as the teacher would have an interest in the students doing well? 
     It is important to remember, the assessment is not the end result. The assessment is the beginning. With an accurate assessment as a tool, everyone will benefit because it will lay the foundation for many helpful decisions

Prensky, M. (2008). Adopt and adapt: Shaping tech for the classroom.
Texas Star Chart (2011) Retrieved August 31, 2011, from http://starchart.epsilen.com/docs/TxTSC.pdf

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