Technology Assessments

In my opinion assessing both educators’ and the knowledge and skills of students is invaluable. It is the job of the educator to prepare students for life after graduation. Technology skills are now becoming one of the most important skills students will need to know. Without properly trained educators no one will be there to teach technology to theses students and they will lack the education and skills they will require in the new 21^st century marketplace.

Assessment of students is also an invaluable necessity. The assessment of students provides a measure of both skill level and lack thereof. It is also necessary to establish the students perceived needs, as technology evolves the needs of the student evolves as well. An ongoing process of assessing perceived needs is the only way to be sure students are receiving all of the technological skills that will be needed in the future.

There are issues when it comes to technology assessment that should be noted. How these assessments are given can have positive or negative results on the data gained from them.  “The two places where technological issues arise are in assessing whether the technology is providing an effective medium for the transfer of knowledge and whether the details of the use of the particular technology are being mastered.”  (Martin)  It is very important that steps are taken to ensure that assessments are done properly with careful attention to the accuracy of the information gained.

Despite the flaws that can come into assessment, it is important to assess both the teacher and the student to ensure the school system is fully benefiting students.  It is the only way to be sure that students will not be left behind in the emerging technological world.

References

Martin, M. B. (n.d.). Classroom Assessment Techniques Designed for Technology. Retrieved January 27, 2012, from Middle Tennessee State University: http://frank.mtsu.edu/~itconf/proceed99/Martin.htm#Use