This article focuses on the use of emerging technologies as tools for teacher evaluation and real time data collection on teachers' performance. The mobility and ease of use of the iPad is highlighted as a tool for touch-screen teacher observations and instantaneous access to student information. Using Google forms allows information to be retrieved without reliance on networks. Results of teacher evaluations can be emailed to the teacher before the administrator leaves the room. The downside currently is cost; applications cost hundreds of dollars per user or districts are charged per student. The article mentions that smaller districts tend to be more likely to embrace this technology.
- In light of recent controversy about reform of the teacher evaluation process, what relevance could the use of powerful handheld devices have in teacher evaluations?
- The portability and ease of use of the applications imply that teacher evaluations could be more frequent and random with this technology. Do you think that would result in more or less accurate data being collected about teacher performance?
I think its a great idea! Quiet Frankly i think it should be done at random, that way you see the "real teacher" Why should they know when someone is coming in to observe them, because they will be more prepared? NO, they should be just as prepared at every other second of the day as they are for a FORMAL OBSERVATION. Topics like this really bother me because its feeding into the idea that teachers don't have to teach. they should always be giving 110% at all times. I might just feel this way because I am an athlete and thats what i would give in every game but school and kids education its a game its the real thing,they are our kids futures or grandkids futures so why not give them the best education we possibly can? Needless to say I think this is a great idea a teacher shouldn't know when they are being observed!
ReplyDeleteThere have been times when I have waited weeks for feedback on an evaluation. I think its so helpful to be able to get your post observation right away. I think that if you are given immediate feedback, I could automatically make those adjustments to my teaching.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of being evaluated at anytime is a great idea in one aspect, because it is authentic. The only problem I have with that is when is enough enough. If a principal doesn't like me will they pop in on me more than a teacher they do like. There has to be some kind of guidelines set before random observations. My tenure observation by the superintendent was random. Each week I would have to email him my schedule and have my lesson plans ready for him. He gave me a timeframe of September 15-December 15 that he COULD be in. It was the most stressful time of my life. It did however make me be on top of my lessons. I worked really hard every week knowing that I could be observed at anytime.
I love the idea of more evaluations. I know as a young teacher there are still many things that I need to change about my teaching style. Having my coordinator in my classroom, or even the principal, will allow me to get more feedback about my lessons. I think that a second set of eyes in the classroom may pick up information that the instructor may miss. Also once tenure is in place many teachers go years without having an evaluation, and then we wonder why there are a few teachers out there that are not successful. Technology allows for everything to move at the speed of light, why are we still suck in the stone age.
ReplyDeleteHaving this type of technology is a good idea and I feel based on the quickness of the evaluation results will allow the teachers to reevaluate their teaching methods and try to make them better. Now the question of how often the evaluations will take place and which teachers would be evaluated and the time frame of when they will be evaluated should be taken into consideration. I do feel that the teacher should be allowed to give their schedules to whoever is doing the evaluation. However they should not know when they will be evaluated. They should prepare each day as if that was the day they are being evaluated.
ReplyDeleteThe use of such technology in teacher evaluations sounds excellent. Therefore, if there is constructive criticism in the feedback, the sooner the teacher receives it the sooner they can begin working on it. Furthermore, I think random evaluations is a great idea. Knowing when you're going to be observed takes away from the authenticity of the lesson and your actions as a teacher. When I did my student teaching, not only would my cooperating teacher pop in and out of the classroom, but so would the principal. I thought it was great because it kept me on my toes and I was much more consistent with all my classes. With set evaluations, I feel it is easy for teachers to become lazy or complacent with some classes. However, Alanna does make a great point that if you're not on the best of terms with the principal or whoever, then you may be more prone to drop-in evaluations.
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