National Educational Technology Plan

   I found the National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) highly informative and encouraging, but I wonder how many teachers have actually read this plan or know that it is out there? The plans overall goal is for leaders, administrators, educators, and the community to be able to provide engaging, higher level critical thinking skills, to measure assessments more authentically; in doing so we must find a way to integrate technology.

    Learning needs to be more engaging so it can empower our students today and in their future lives. Most students already have 24/7 access to many digital tools, and it is our job as educators to creatively incorporate these tools into the classroom to create tailored learning experiences that connect with their everyday lives. We also need to provide equal access among all students. Assessments are another key goal to the NETP. Data gathering is extremely important and what we are lacking as a whole is the data on how we are actually integrating technology into the curriculum. We need all kinds of data to help shape our ongoing technology goals and to create them for the future. It needs to be more student-centered through the use of technology.  I loved the "teaching prepare and connect goal" in the NETP. In order to reach the other goals we must remember to work as a team. It takes a village to raise a child and I whole truly believe in this. We have the means to work together on a daily basis and we need to use these tools or make these digital tools and resources accessible to all at anytime and anywhere.

   The infrastructure needs to be alligned with the objectives and accessible to everyone, otherwise how can we continue to promote a 21^st century classroom and learning? Once this infrastructure is strongly in place, we can then start to see learning going beyond the classroom via digital tools, higher level thinking skills, creativity, etc.  We must improve productivity in our school systems. Texas is going through a huge crisis right now and it is our students that are suffering due to these budget cuts.  We have to work as a nation, state, and community to ensure we are giving the best opportunities and chances for success to ALL our students. The dropout rate needs to decrease and to improve this, we need to continually work toward the goals in this plan. They will be more engaged, they will create and share, they will be INVOLVED in their learning, not just in a desk, in a classroom listening to the teacher.

Education, D. o. (2010, November 9). National Education Technology Plan. Retrieved August 30, 2011,  from ED.GOV:   

     http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/netp2010-execsumm.pdf

Keller ISD Technology Plan

   The Keller ISD Technology Plan is much like the National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) just more on a basic step by step process. They have a very realistic strategy for technology and have an ongoing assessment that states if the technology initiatives are in progress or completed. Keller does recognize that technology does not only need to be incorporated into lessons and in the classroom so they are successful in using it now and in their future. 

   Keller identifies that the infrastructure and support systems are a vital key component to this plan. The infrastructure is important because if the software, equipment, and Internet bandwidth are not being extended or added, then the teachers cannot work toward the goal of teaching and learning. This needs to be an ongoing assessment of telecommunication services. This goal is important to making the curriculum authentic and real to the 21^st century learner as well as incorporating higher level thinking and problem solving skills that the students can take with them now and into the future.  Due to budget cuts, I am aware that many of the software programs that were used in the classroom have been cut. It is so hard to make these goals reality when we are in such a budget crisis in Texas. We have GOT to fix this budget crisis within our nation, state, schools, and communities because the students are suffering and they are our future.    

   Professional development is another key goal because teachers are lifelong learners as well. Keller’s strategy is to always provide on-going training and support, facilitating online learning, and communicate instructional strategies that emphasize the use of digital tools. Keller ISD was one of the first districts to establish K Connect, a share point portal for all district information for employees. I know many teachers that use this on a regular basis. However, due to the recent budget cuts, I know that schools no longer have a 24/7 tech support that is easily accessible to teachers that they had in prior years. Administration has their own goals to launch and incorporate technology standards which have already come into play. They also use data collected by the STaR chart as well as other assessments to guide their decisions. This is a very ongoing evaluation process. While Keller recognizes the need for technology and change in the way we teach and learn, they also believe quality instruction is and always will be the basis for student engagement. No matter how much or how well you include technology into the classroom, if you are not teaching with quality, the students will not learn.

Keller Independent School District Advisory Committee. (n.d.). Keller ISD Technology Plan 2009-2011.     Retrieved  August  30, 2011, from Keller ISD:   http://www.kellerisd.net/community/technology/Documents/District_Technology_Plan/District_Technology_Plan.pdf

Technology Assessments

Assessments of educators’ technology leadership knowledge and skills are a key component to determine technology goals for the district, school, and classroom.  We have to know where we stand as learners in order to continue our education to promote digital tools in the classroom that help encourage higher level thinking and problem solving skills. It is also key to use authentic assessments to see where students' knowledge and perceived needs stand. How do we know what to teach if we do not assess first? I believe in making assessments real and authentic to the students and their needs. This helps get a more accurate assessment and makes students more involved.

   The cons with technology assessments are that educators might see that they have a long way to improve and might not want to change or embark on such a “long” journey.  One con for assessing students might be that their socio-economical background might be put on the spot light because they do not have the access or means to access these digital tools at home compared to the other students. I could see this as affecting their self-esteem.  Even if the assessment is not seen by other students, it could still  have an impact on their motivation and confidence. One way to change this might be to have anonymous assessments and make it a more at risk free environment type of assessment. Even with the few cons I have stated, the pros outweigh them because we need to know where we stand in order to create and achieve our technology goals.  Assessments have always been a part of our everyday lives and will continue to be, so why shouldn't technology shouldn’t be assessed as well?

Hello Friends!

    My name is Angela Mahl. I graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2009 with my bachelor's degree in Education.  After graduation I became a first grade teacher to the students that I taught while being a student teacher. I absolutely loved teaching first grade!


The first graduating class from Sam Houston State University with an EC-6 certification!



I am a mother of two beautiful daughters that are the light of my life. One just started 2nd grade, and the other is only 5 months old. My husband and I have been married for over 8 years, and just recently moved to Keller, which we absolutely love!!! I feel very blessed to be able to stay at home with my children for a few years, but I am looking forward to getting back into the classroom in the near future.


First day of 2nd grade!