This weeks reading in the Anthony text was interesting to me because it presented information to me that had never entered my thought process. One thing that stood out to me was the infomation about how school districts evaluate software and determine what products they will use in their schools. It was interesting because technology use is being pushed so hard in the classrooms that school districts often put in place new software that is engaging to the learners and opens them up to a variety of technological skills.
At times it is difficult for school districts to implement new hardware and sofware programs becacuse of cost issues that are associated with the enhancements. Therefore school districts have to allow certain funds to go towards their technological advances and still maintain budget for their other departments. It was interesting when the book mentioned that large urban school districts will often not change hardware manufacturers even if better performing software is available or if its less expensive; this is due to them not wanting to change or convert the software. This makes me wonder where do the interests of these school districts lie? Seeing that they are willing to not upgrade systems for better performance, how can they offer the best to their students when choosing cost over quality instruction?
Another thing that stood out to me was the mentioning of the evaluation of hardware for instructional applications. I think the fact that school districts allow teachers and schools to have flexibility when choosing the types of hardware to use in their classrooms. This is beneficial to the teachers because they can choose hardware that they are familiar with and that will help to maximize the learning that is taking place.
The Hall text really broke down how reflection of assessments and material can contribute to effective growth. It is vital that people understand how they are performing and what areas of strength and weakness need to be addressed. As a teacher, I related the Professional Growth Plan to Long Range Plans. I am currently going through my Adept, Safe-T formal evaluation process and I have to complete my long range plans. Similiar to the Professional Growth Plan, goals must be outlined, areas of growth must be stated and numerous other things. I think that the ability to accecpt constructive criticism and use it as a source of reflection to help evaluate performance; it helps to develop strong leaders that can contribute to a team or a to an organization.
