Technology Assessments

I will be honest with you. I was having some difficulty filling out the second assessment. When it comes to technology I feel as though I am a "fish out of water." My responses to the surveys pretty much backed up my feelings about competence in the field of technology. My concern over technology is that I really don't use it that much. I have a smart board in my classroom, but the overhead projector is placed in the spot which is not beneficial for use. I try to use it once in awhile and I understand the basics of its use, but I feel as though I do not have the time to go in depth with its uses. I can perform the basic skills on the computer; such as, spreadsheets, word documents, downloading material from both websites and cds, and emails. I utilize the textbook power point presentation for my class. What I have listed pretty much sums up my strengths when it comes to technology.
As I went through the inventory I noticed that my scores were lower in the communication and solving problems with technology tools. I may not have answered the questions correctly, but at this moment I am not sure. I will say that my confidence in what I do know and what I don't know about those two sections is not high. I know that it will help me to take some courses or attend some workshops on utilizing graphics. I also know that it is imperative that I acquaint myself with the TEKS that are set up for my current grade level.
I took a deeper look over the SETDA Teacher Survey and I will be honest with in stating that my district is in need of more technology. I asked my campus technologist about the various types of technology on our campus. It was simply put to me that she takes care of the hardware, but does not actually push for the ordering of our technology. Also our district does not have the funding to go out and purchase extra technological devices. I was somewhat disappointed to hear that statement. If I were the campus administrator I would push for the need for more technology. I have noticed that there are many of our teachers who are obtaining more technological devices, but they are strictly for teacher use in their teaching. What are we doing for the students? I believe our tech course is an elective. We have two computer labs, but those computers are combined on the same server as our elementary and high school campuses. Therefore, when we are using the computers, the server is slow. Also there are no additional computers in our classrooms. We have one computer per classroom for the teachers, but no extra ones for our students. I would find several teachers who would be interested in writing grants so that we can obtain more technological devices. We are expected to keep our students up-to-date with technology, but we are unable to provide them the equipment. I would also attempt to find ways that teachers would have time to plan lessons using technology. Patience and time is necessary to put together valuable lessons, especially about technology.