Using the Internet

This month we have been taking our test on the SBAC. This has been using the computer. Our students all needed to use their vast technology skills to take our state testing. The problem is that our students were not prepared to take this test. So, now I need to evaluate why were these students not ready to take this test??

Is it because they aren't access the computer often enough?? Well, these students started first grade with a computer program where the students practiced their reading skills. The students also had the opportunity to use a math program on the computer. They used the computers almost weekly beginning in first grade. If we look at the sixth grade class then they had six years of using the computers for this particular skill.
Now that means that this was not enough...So, this week as we look at the usage of the internet in the classroom how can we know if it is enough?? We can look at how these students after having the computer available to them every year did not make them proficient at using the computer.
So, having access is not enough, there has to be more...
The teachers need to teach the students how to use the computer. They need to understand how to manipulate the programs. The students need to understand how to use the program to share their learning and enhance it.
This means that if the students can learn how to use programs to enhance their own projects, but also learn how to do the deeper thinking and support their thinking we will have students that can benefit from the technology. It will no longer be an extra toy located in the classroom or in their homes, but an extension of their thinking and interacting. Then the next time they sit down to take a test on the technology, the technology won't be stumbling block but an stepping stone to help and support them to be even more successful than ever.