Strategic Learning Unlimited

Please choose the highest level of competency that you feel you have achieved. Only one response per question can be selected.

1. Responsible Use 1 I know that all computers in the district are part of a network of electronic resources that I have agreed to use responsibly.
2 I work with my library media specialist to get technology help, and I do not install or download software on my classroom computer.
3 I understand and follow district rules concerning copyright, the Internet, passwords, appropriate use of resources, virus protection strategies, etc.
4 I model ethical use of electronic resources and teach my students to honor intellectual property rights, to use proper citations, and to use equipment and electronic resources responsibly. 2 Basic Computer Use 1 I use a computer for email, grading, and producing assignments.
2 I use printers and other peripherals such as scanners, external drives and CD writers, and troubleshoot connections to solve technical problems.
3 I learn new programs and discover additional program features on my own.
4 I model learning strategies and troubleshooting procedures to encourage my students to thoughtfully and independently use technology to solve problems.

3. File Management 1 I save and retrieve files to and from local and network drives.
2 I create my own folders to keep files organized and know how to identify the date and size of each file and folder.
3 I use my shared network drives to access and save information, and to make information available to students. 4 I teach my students how to move, copy, and organize their files in folders, and to use search techniques to find files. 4. E-mail 1 I check my district email daily, write concise messages, and use appropriate email etiquette, including subject line.
2 I create, send, and save attachments, and forward messages appropriately.
3 I maintain my mail folders in an organized manner.
4 I use email professionally to share information with colleagues and parents, and I incorporate e-mail use into classroom activities.

5. Word Processing
1 I use a word processor for basic writing tasks.
2 I use a word processing program for my written professional work: memos, tests, worksheets, parent communication, etc. I edit, spell-check and change the format of documents.
3 I incorporate features in my Word documents such as tables, bulleted and numbered lists, page numbers and notes, and use editing tools such as Find/Replace, etc.
4 I teach my students to use word processing programs for their written communication, and require multiple experiences using technology for the full writing process.

6. Graphics
1 I rarely use graphics in my word processing or presentations.
2 I create pictures with paint/draw programs, and/or insert my own graphics and clip art, citing my sources.
3 I understand and apply design principles, and modify graphics (example: digital photos, scanned drawings).
4 I teach my students to select and modify graphics in order to make a point or illustrate what they have learned, while respecting intellectual property and obeying copyright laws.

7. Desktop Publishing
1 I use Word to publish signs, flyers, and handouts.
2 I use a desktop publishing program (Publisher), using templates and wizards to create one or more types of published documents.
3 I create original publications, combining design elements such as columns, clip art, photo images, tables, word art and captions, with appropriate citation of sources.
4 I teach my students to design original publications that communicate their learning to others.

8. Spreadsheet
1 I record and edit data in a simple Excel spreadsheet created by others.
2 I enter data in spreadsheets, and create data displays to explain my information using well-labeled and effective charts and graphs.
3 I use formulas to help analyze and interpret data.
4 I teach my students to use spreadsheets to improve their data keeping and analysis skills.

9. Library Database
1 I use the school library catalog to search for books, videotapes, and other teaching materials.
2 I enter data in spreadsheets, and create data displays to explain my information using well-labeled and effective charts aI locate and obtain materials from the school library, and District Media Library.
3 I determine and use search terms (author, title, subject, keyword) appropriate to my purpose, and create bibliographies for my students (using Bookbag).
4 I teach my students to use the online library catalog using title, author, subject and keyword searches to locate reading choices and start their research.

10. Research / Information-Searching
1 I find information in print and electronic resources using simple searches and the index.
2 I use various electronic databases (World Book, Proquest, netTrekker, Facts on File, SIRS), and use keywords, limiters and other features of the database to answer my research questions.
3 I know the features of our purchased electronic resources, and evaluate and select the one that meets my needs each time I do research.
4 I teach my students strategies for searching electronic and print resources, starting with an essential question, and brainstorming subsidiary questions and keywords to guide their search.

11. Internet
1 I search school and district Web sites to find information, and follow links from these sites to various Internet resources.
2 I use a variety of search engines, metasearch tools, and subject directories (Google, Vivisimo, Internet Public Library, GEM—Gateway to Educational Materials, etc.) to locate information for lesson preparation in my subject area.
3 I use effective strategies to find information on the Internet, and evaluate for authenticity, bias, reliability, authority and accuracy.
4 I teach my students strategies to efficiently find information on the Internet, and evaluate for authenticity, bias, reliability, authority and accuracy.

12. Technology Presentation
1 I rarely use technology for presentations to my students.
2 I create well-organized, information-rich presentations to teach my students.
3 I use a projection device (projector, scan converter/monitor, document camera) regularly for class presentations.
4 I teach my students to create original presentations (using appropriate technology) that are well organized and effectively share information and/or persuade an audience.

13. Technology Integration
1 I accept student work produced electronically, but do not require it.
2 I plan lessons using technology and I take advantage of learning opportunities to extend my own skills and better integrate technology into my curriculum.
3 I integrate the use of technology throughout my curriculum, and enable my students to produce their own audio and video projects.
4 I frequently model and teach my students to employ computer-based technologies for communication and multimedia presentations using original audio and video content.

14. Blogging, RSS Subscriptions and Personal Podcasting
1 I know what blogs and podcasts are but have not made use of them in the classroom.
2 I plan lessons using blogs or podcasts and I take advantage of learning opportunities to extend my own skills and better integrate technology into my curriculum.
3 I create my own blogs or podcasts for classroom use.
4 I have enabled my students to make their own blogs and podcasts related to the course materials.

Please provide the level at which you are teaching and your subject area.

If you want to get your result total include your email (I promise not to sell it or use it for anything other than sending you the result.) (Optional)

This form was developed by the library media specialists and teachers of the Bellingham Public Schools who based it upon the Mankato Scale first developed by the Mankato (Minnesota) Public Schools to measure the growth of student technology skills. Adapted for online use by Jill Robbins.
Jill’s scoring system:
50 - 56: Super-geek
42 – 49 Nerd in waiting
28 – 41: Hope for the future
0 – 27: Let's get started!

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Strategic Learning Unlimited

Self- Evaluation of Educational Technology Use