Pre-Thesis (so far)

Ten years ago when I was in the ETEC program I noticed that many of my students did not have the skills needed to use the computer. They did not have a basic understanding of how to utilize computers as a tool to produce work. It is amazing to me that things have not changed. Ten years ago, my school was switching from the old Macs to our first Dells using Windows 95. Students were learning how to use an operating system and new software. I was looking for a way to help my students learn the basic skills and use computers to create projects using Hyperstudio. We didn’t even have the Internet until after I left. As part of my ETEC 609 class, my partner and I created a pre and post test assessing the student’s ability to navigate around the computer and open and utilize the programs that came with the computer. We found that the students were eager to learn the new computers and begin to understand the new software.
Today ten years later, I still see some of the basic needs. We have students that can navigate around Youtube and Myspace with no difficulty but can not understand how to utilize the computers as a tool to create projects and filter information. Three years ago, I took over one of the two computer classes on my campus and started reviewing the program that was in place. The other computer lab is set up to teach the students basic skills needed using Microsoft Word, Power Point and Adobe Photoshop. My class focuses on creating projects that tie in with the curriculum. Students use several programs to create multimedia projects to share the information.
That brings us to today. After 3 years of running the computer lab, I see students growing in the skills that will help them in creating multimedia projects and gaming but they do not know how to utilize the computer to create projects that require research and an advanced use of computers. Students don’t know what they don’t know. I am looking at how to assess student skills and adjust my program to meet the National Education Technology Standards (NETS) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). I am currently assessing the students using an assessment of the NETS from Simple Assessment (http://www.simpleassessment.com ). The assessment asks 60 questions based on the 6 areas of NETS. The teacher gets feedback from the report and is able to tailor a program to help the students become proficient in the standard. The questions are either true/false, multiple choice, matching on the different skills needed.
After reviewing what standards that need to be met, I will complete a review of our program to make sure that we are covering the standards for our students and revising the classes to met NCLB.