Technology audit results

The technology audit for CAG took place back in May and now we got the report to begin planning for improvement. I would like to share with you the findings and the recommendations made by emTech specialists. Dr. Price and Dr. Mcfadden based their report on the surveys presented to students, teachers, staff and parents; interviews with representatives of each group and observations made during their visit. The survey was responded by 727 students, 123 teachers and 320 parents. STaR, ISTE and enGauge standards were used to establish the status of CAG regarding technology and its integration into the curriculum.

The report was organized so 5 strands were evaluated: Access to resources, Educators proficiency with Technology skills, Effective practices for Technology into the curriculum, Access to Technology Support and Growth in Professional Practice. For each strand the status was reported first and then the recommendations.

In general we are at a exploring/developing stage. Our students have mastered the Web 1.0 tools which are word processing, spreadsheets and presentation applications such as Power Point. Also they manage the email and can perform Internet searches to complete research projects. These tools are known as productivity and communication tools. Teachers also use those tools for productivity and communication but not all are using them in the classroom to enhance the learning process. Parents reported to be comfortable with the technology level of the school but students don’t feel the same. Students are already using Web 2.0 tools which include podcasts, blogs, wikies, MP3, cel phones, etc. for personal applications. We should begin the use of those tools to enhance and enrich the learning process.

This recommendation requires a great access to resources and technology literate teachers. Which are basically the main recommendations we got on this report: improve access to Internet, offer more access to resources, and train the teachers, principals and parents on new technologies and its integration into the curriculum.

In order to work on the recommendations given we are currently working on establishing a Technology Committee with representatives from the different sections and groups in school. This committee will have the task to analyze the report in depth and prepare a 3 year plan with short term and long term goals, and justification of recommendations given that won’t be implemented. We are also following up with the emTech team to clarify some facts presented on the report and require more information. The CAG community is being informed of the Tech audit results through presentations, bulletins and other means. Network infrastructure was also audited and we are in the process of getting quotations and proposals to renew the infrastructure that will support a wireless campus wide Internet access as well as maintaining the cabled network for intranet access. Best practices schools are going to be contacted to learn from them. We can communicate with them and visit their campuses. Experts on technology integration into the curriculum and educational uses of Web 2.0 tools are being contacted to offer some conferences that will help the CAG community to understand and fully embrace those in its educational practices.

We feel confident that we will be able to accomplish the goals and keep improving our educational standards and quality with the collaboration and support of the whole CAG community. We thank you for your participation in this endeavor and offer to keep you informed of the process.

Claudia M. Estrada
Technology Coordinator

If you would like to be part of the technology committee please send an email stating your desire to participate to communitynews@cag.edu.gt . Questions or suggestions please write to me at cestrada@cag.edu.gt .

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Faculty and Staff

Early Childhood
Monika Seckinger-Technology Integration Specialist and ICT teacher
Steven Monzón-Technician

Elementary
Helen de De León-ICT teacher grades 2-5
Phil Bloomstein-Technology Integration Specialist
Steven Monzón-Technician

Middle School
Michelle Urdiales-Technology Integration Specialist, ICT teacher grade 8
Elena Ariza-Technology Integration Specialist, ICT teacher grade 7
Cecilia Artola-Technology Integration Specialist, ICT teacher grade 6
Sterling Sights-Technician

High School
Telma de Valdez-ICT teacher grade 9, Desktop Publishing/yearbook
Spencer Sights-ICT teacher grades 10 and 11, Webmaster
Michael Peters-Technology Integration Specialist
Rogelio Cruz-Technician