Instructional Technology
Nancy Bergvall
Director of Instructional Technology
 
Technology is an integral piece of the K-12 curriculum and TEKS. Instructional Technology's goal is to work with students, teachers, and administrators to successfully address the educational challenges of an evolving technological society.

In addition to a sound background in traditional academics, today’s students must be competent and confident in using a wide range of technology in a variety of settings. Most career paths require the use of computers and related technology. Therefore, students must be just as comfortable using a computer or other technology as they would using a pencil and paper. Most importantly, students must have consistent access to technology in their classroom environment so they can become proficient in using it in many ways. They must be encouraged and guided to use technology as a tool to access information and to efficiently develop dynamic, effective projects.

Teachers play a critical role in developing and nurturing appropriate technology use by students. Therefore, teachers must have access to up-to-date technology and appropriate training and technical support to take advantage of the wide range of possibilities and opportunities connected to the use of technology in the classroom. Technology then becomes a tool to assist teachers in many ways – from presenting lessons in new, dynamic formats, to assessing individual student needs and monitoring and reporting student progress. In addition, teachers must be able to prepare students by teaching the concepts and skills needed to ensure they understand and use technology effectively.

Technology is equally important to administrators and support staff in the school district. In this era of increasing demands with limited financial resources, it is essential that all staff have access to technology and the skills to use it appropriately and effectively. With this commitment, all staff will become more productive and efficient.

Teacher Technology Proficiencies
Research reveals that the single most important factor in determining the success of technology in the classroom is a teacher who is comfortable with and knowledgeable about computers. Tier One | Tier Two

Objectives
• Define adult Technology Proficiencies
• Organize technology related professional development into modules
• Offer a variety of delivery methods
• Assure that the staff not only learns technology skills but applies them in the classroom setting
• Awards best practices

Expected Results
• Increase staff and student use of technology as a teaching and learning tool
• Improve efficiency and effectiveness of student learning
• Create more dynamic learning environments for students and teachers
• Improve program vitality

Vision
Professional development for instructional technology will be developed for participants wishing to acquire the fundamental skills necessary to complete Technology Proficiencies. Teachers will be offered a variety of training opportunities (campus instruction, after school training, and summer technology training) to develop required proficiencies.

Each year, one elementary and one secondary teacher will be recognized as a Distinguished Technology Educator. The work of the honorees will be described and displayed on the district’s website, and each of the recognized teachers will be awarded credit in the amount of $500 to be used towards the purchase of technology equipment and/or software for use in the classroom.

Top of page

 

 
 
 Tier One
Tier One of the MISD Technology Proficiencies consists of four components. Links to the following pages will provide you with examples of the proficiencies you will complete with the Instructional Technologist.
 
Assessment Components of Tier 1

Word Processing – MS Word (PDF | .doc)
Acceptable Use Policy (PDF)
Operating System (PDF)
PowerSchool/PowerGrade (PDF)

• Targeted skills are outlined on Tier I Proficiency Plan handouts.
• Proficiency may be determined by completion of observable skills test.
• Handouts may be downloaded from the website.
• Training sessions will be held during the summer months, online, and at the request of the campus to assist faculty in the acquisition of these identified skills.

Expectations
• Tier I will be required of all new to district teachers.
• Proficiency contact persons will oversee the faculty assessment.
• It is the responsibility of interested personnel to attend a testing session.
• If the personnel unit demonstrates proficiencies incorrectly on a skills based assessment, he/she must test again at a later session.
• Assessment cannot be given during a technology training session.
• Completion of these proficiencies will be reflected in an annual evaluation (PDAS).

Procedures for Receiving Technology Proficiency Credit and Incentives
1. Sign-up for a testing date once you are ready to demonstrate proficiency in any or all of the four assessment components.
2. When all skills are achieved, the appraiser will sign beneath the checklist on the Technology Proficiency Level I Verification Form to indicate proficiency for each of the components.
3. The appraiser will attach any documents to the verification form and submit it to the building principal for approval and signature.
4. The completed and signed Technology Proficiency Level I Verification Form will then be submitted to the MISD Instructional Technology Coordinator.
5. Incentives will be provided to those completing Tier I Proficiency assessments.

 
 Tier Two
Assessment Components of Tier 2

Multimedia (PowerPoint, Kid Pix, etc.) - (PDF)
Spreadsheet-Excel (PDF)
Internet (PDF)
Library Media Center OPAC (Online Patron Access Catalog) - (PDF)

• Targeted skills are outlined on Tier Two Proficiency Plan handouts.
• Proficiency may be determined by completion of observable skills test.
• Handouts may be downloaded from the website.
• Training sessions will be held during the summer months, online, and at the request of the campus to assist faculty in the acquisition of these identified skills.

Expectations
• Beginning with the 2005-06 school year, Tier II will be required of all new to district teachers.
• 2004-05 MISD teachers will be not be required to complete Tier II. 2004-05 MISD teachers may voluntarily participate and receive the incentives for successful completion of Tier II.
• Proficiency contact persons will oversee the faculty assessment.
• It is the responsibility of interested personnel to attend a testing session.
• If the personnel unit demonstrates proficiencies incorrectly on a skills based assessment, he/she must test again at a later session.
• Assessment cannot be given during a technology training session.
• Completion of these proficiencies will be reflected in an annual evaluation (PDAS).

Procedures for Receiving Technology Proficiency Credit and Incentives
1. Sign-up for a testing date once you are ready to demonstrate proficiency in any or all of the four assessment components.
2. When all skills are achieved, the appraiser will sign beneath the checklist on the Technology Proficiency Level 2 Verification Form to indicate proficiency for each of the components.
3. The appraiser will attach any documents to the verification form and submit it to the building principal for approval and signature.
4. The completed and signed Technology Proficiency Level 2 Verification Form will then be submitted to the MISD Instructional Technology Coordinator.
5. Incentives will be provided to those completing Tier 2 Proficiency assessments.