Is there value in assessing educators’ technology leadership knowledge and skills? What are pros and cons of technology assessments?

NOTE: Assuming the blog instructions in the rubric are the most current version of the instructions, I am choosing to respond to the prompt: "Is there value in assessing educators’ technology leadership knowledge and skills? What are pros and cons of technology assessment?"

In a world where technology is a common part of our daily interactions, students must be technologically literate. As so, teachers should be held accountable for their own technological literacy. Teachers who are new to the profession and recent graduates of their universities are typically equipped for the classroom in regard to technology. However, there is a large number of teachers who struggle with the basic skills to even perform administrative duties involving technology. Furthermore, their lack of ability to teach students to utilize technology in the classroom is even more frightening. As we hold teachers accountable for skills such as classroom management and knowledge of curriculum, we must also hold them accountable for their technology leadership skills.

One of the pros of technology assessment is that teachers with a basic understanding of technology are more likely to use technology in their classroom. They are also more likely to encourage students to be risk-takers in regard to technology. These students will be better prepared as they enter college or their chosen career path. Also, teachers with a basic understanding of technology are more efficient in their preparation of lessons and the administrative duties. Their classrooms tend to run more smoothly, and students are more engaged in lessons that incorporate technology. Technology assessments will also hold teachers accountable for their own professional development. This, in turn, will help districts to make great strides in the area of technology and keep them up to date with the most effective uses of technology in the classroom.

There are several cons of technology assessment. First, technology assessments suggest that all teachers have access to technology and professional growth opportunities. Unfortunately, I do not think this is realistic in some districts across our state. Holding teachers accountable for something that is out of their hands is unfair and counterproductive. Also, technology assessments are only valuable if the data collected can be used to prompt school districts to action. While this would be the case in most districts, I believe there are some districts that simply do not have the funds available to respond to the data. Still, technology assessments can be a great way to assess the understanding and use of technology in the classroom. Although some districts might struggle to show improvement, the pros of these assessments far outweigh the cons.