Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!

   In the 60's, 1960's not the 1860's as my students would have one believe, life was simple.  The shampoo aisle had three shampoos.  Easy choice. Breck.  Cereal was no problem because there were no more than five choices if that many.  Now each of these have entire aisles taking up both sides and decisions are not easy.  I had the task of choosing a topic of research and research was necessary before deciding.  I foolishly believed it would be no problem.  The last time I said something to that effect, I found myself on a black diamond instead of the bunny slope while skiing.  I had the same feeling this week.

  I had so many ideas before I started the videos and readings.  While completing the week's assignments, I felt like I was playing a game of Chutes and Ladders.  Watching the videos validated my sense of purpose and what I believed in education.  Dr. Chargois' emphasis on data synchronized with my idea of evaluation and lessons.  Since he is the Superintendent of my district, and we stress using data to affect change in lesson delivery, it was only natural my thoughts would go in that direction with the pressure of accountability on my mind in every report I write and write and write. 

I brainstormed, more readings. I checked my group's discussion board and posted my ideas.  Thank you for the comments.  Feedback is very helpful in both validation and fixing any problems.  My third idea came to me as most ideas, in a flash.  I was rummaging in my cabinet and found an old technology  gadget for which I never received the cords, the software installed (our district has a block on our computers for self installed software), or training or manual.  This was brand new when I got it.    I am not the helpless type, but this was two too many obstacles.  I have very limited time, even though I get to school at 7:30 am for an 8:20am bell  and usually leave at  6:00pm.  I don’t have time to fumble around in the dark. I also read an email about a great website for our district and please use it asap.    I opened it.  I have no username and no password.  I don’t know who to ask to track this down or the time.   I decided that with many new teachers, new administrative staff and a push to purchase new technology the last few years, something needed to be done.  We have one tech person on our campus who is inundated with trouble shooting.  I have helped on many occasions for our wing and training purposes, so it would be a natural.  I thought I would inventory the available technology to what was being used, do some training, troubleshoot and get whatever needed connected done.  Track what technology was being used in the classroom to what effect.  Our district is writing technology grants, and I would like to see where our school fits into that grant. This is a multi-layered study, but I have a definite beginning, middle and end plan.  It has purpose, focus and identifies a definite need for our campus.  Teachers and students benefit from increased technology because we are a Title I campus and many students do not have access to technology at home.  I don’t like waste and feel too much is wasted just sitting in a cabinet.  I can match the technology with the teacher, and create  easily accessible training to fit their needs and schedule.  When I presented this topic to my principal, I had no problem articulating my plan or focus.  If this plan meets with Lamar’s standards, this will be my plan.  The problem will be the use of technology on campus, research will be on new programs, free internet programs like the ones we used tagxedo and animoto, or programs we already have purchased,   classroom use of technology, effects, the need, teacher training, and measurability will be based on amount of increased use of technology, use of technology in lesson plans, surveys for effects or benefits, and a look at future needs.  A comprehensive policy, or  manual of available technology on campus, installed on computers and available internet resources along with  future purchasing recommendations could be a final product.  I can already see problems, this is something our campus needs, and I would like to study how other campuses incorporate technology when there isn't enough to go around.