Timothy Parra

12 September 2016
Prof. Smudde
Technology and Schools: A Tale of Two Standards
Description
Anderson Junior High, the classroom I got placed in, is located in
the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD). A Title I school, Anderson
surprisingly doesnt lack in technology support but lacks in proper use
of technology. Before I explore into it, I must first describe the
classroom, school, district, and the community surrounding it. The
classroom, an average of 30 diverse students/class, has a real interest
in technology. Regarding the school and the community, companies
like Intel have brought more students into Anderson. On the same
token, new charter schools are being built around the area to combat
this rise of population and theoretically steal students from
Anderson. In an effort to combat this, the district has opened up more
computer labs (with updated computer software) in junior highs and
middle schools and has slowly started to give schools money to
purchase tools like smart boards. This has lead to a steady increase of
students each year.
Evaluation
My teacher, Mrs. Heredia, has been teaching for the last 30 plus
years and falls into the category of teachers that use technology

inclusion in the classroom, rather than infusion. Often her technology

inclusion would be using a PowerPoint to have students take notes off
of it. According to her, thats all she would really do technology-wise,
since they had physical textbooks to do various tasks. In her
classroom, she has five computers that students can use for future or
make up tests. Anderson allows students to complete future tests if
they are ahead of the class, which gives the teacher time to focus on
those that need their help most. Nevertheless, I dont see my IMT
(Intern Mentor Teacher) utilizing the computers to its fullest extent.
Although there are not too many computers in her classroom, there is
a lab a few doors down that they rarely use. For example, the class was
going over how mediums convey different messages (tones, setting,
etc.) and the pros/cons for each one. I felt that having students create
their own unique medium to deliver a fun message (giving them hands
on experience of each medium) instead of lecturing them the different
benefits would have had a better learning effect on the students. All in
all, my classroom and school utilize some support (PK & CK of TPACK
goals), but not the entire TPACK triangle.
Analysis
Growing up in the Chandler school system, having my mom work
for the district, and now being an intern in a classroom, its no surprise
that CUSD has an A grade. Camille Casteel, the superintendent, is an
advocate for more technology in the classroom and pressures her

principals to follow suit. Regarding my classroom, I feel that employing

resources like Edmodo would replace folder keeping to manage
assignments and smart boards could replace the traditional form of
note taking. I have seen students glow with amazement after I showed
them a few technology applications to help with their schoolwork.
Therefore, I believe that in order to support better student learning, my
classroom and other classrooms across the district must infuse hands
on technology into their lessons.
Introduction:
After mulling through some possible requests, I decided that the
best option would be to add technology and resources in the library.
Libraries used to be a connection to student learning but today it has
been neglected as a resource because libraries have not been
technology updated. A request I would make is to remove books that
have not been checked out for the last five years in order to make
room for eBooks, which would allow the school to be able to purchase
more books electronically. Additionally, having more accessible tablets,
smart boards, docking stations, study rooms, and learning couches
(similar to working at Google) would be included in this proposal. As a
teacher, this introduction of a new library would allow me to utilize
the technology and resources there without essentially boring my
students while also keeping the cost of purchasing textbooks down.
Essentially, these eBooks combined with (say) smart boards would give

students quick accessibility, affordability, and likeability to content

knowledge, which overall associates with student learning.