An Evaluation ofStudent Use of Technology

at Hays Elementary

By Kim Ramsey

My Mission:To investigate if technology is being utilized by all students effectively and determine if students are becoming digital learners, digital creators, and digital leaders in the 21st century.

My Plan:To determine if every classroom has

computers and software access and to evaluate whether students incorporate technology into all aspects of their learning.

To determine if teachers have the skills and training to facilitate this use.

My Evaluation:I have found that there are 5 laptops in each classroom for student use.

Photo by Kim Ramsey

However, there is an average of 24 students per class. Students must wait to use computer technology.

Photo by Kim RamseyPhoto by Kim Ramsey

Questions I Asked:Are there other computers available for student use?

How does this limit of computers affect student technology use?

Are there plans for more purchases of student computers?

How are teachers attempting to solve this shortage?

Are there other computers available for student use?

Yes, there is a computer lab that has 24 computers available for student use. However it is shared among all

grades K-6.

Photo by Kim Ramsey

How does this limit of computers affect student technology use?

Students must wait for others to complete a task before starting their own.

Photo by Kim Ramsey

Are there plans for more purchases of student computers?

Due to sluggish economy and budget shortfalls, there are no plans to increase the number of student computers.

Phote from: http://www.chipparmelly.com/images/misc_pics/graduate_600.jpg

How are teachers attempting to solve this shortage?

Teachers utilize every time available in labs including using other grades’ computer times, if available. Labs are also open after school for tutorials, etc.

Do teachers have the necessary training and skills to effectively use technology in

the classroom?Yes, all Rockwall teachers must complete 36 hours of training upon hiring, and complete 12 hours of technology professional development each year; all lesson plans require demonstration of an inspired classroom.”Photo from:http

://educationtoday.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/“technology img_1327.jpg

My Conclusions:Students have a great desire to create, construct

and utilize technology but are limited in availability of tools.

Hays Elementary has definitely made technology integration one of its goals but needs more funding.

Teachers have the necessary training and skills to implement technology and are held accountable for utilizing all tools that are available.

My final thoughts on effective technology integration in my school……

An education isn’t how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It’s being able to

differentiate between what you know and what you don’t. (Anatole France)

Photo by Kim Ramsey

What education are we giving our students?

Photo from: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikibooks/en/thumb/2/27/Bored_student_2.jpg/410px-Bored_student_2.jpg

Referenceshttp://www.chipparmelly.com/images/misc_pi

cs/graduate_600.jpg

http://educationtoday.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_1327.jpg

 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikibooks/en/thumb/2/27/Bored_student_2.jpg/410px-Bored_student_2.jpg