Marty Cryer
Professional Development
School districts around the country are spending hundreds of millions of dollars purchasing technology hardware with the idea of integrating its use into the classroom. Administrators and teachers alike recognize the value of the technology, but studies show it is frequently not being used effectively to justify the cost.
My research into this issue proved that quality professional development is a key toward ensuring laptops, interactive whiteboards, iPads and other tech tools are used. Even younger teachers who have grown up in the digital age and are comfortable using this equipment typically do not do so because they are unfamiliar with the possibilities.
The simplest, least expensive and most common form of professional development is the one-day or half day seminar. It is the same forum that professional development has been offered for many years, so it is not a surprise that it is used for technology. Studies show, however, this is the least effective process to help ensure technology integration strategies are put into use once the program is finished.
Instead, the research shows, teachers need ongoing support as they use a new tool or resource so they have help when things go awry.
Click image to view Belndspace folder.
I developed a 10-week course to introduce teachers to several digital tools and work to support them as they begin to use them with their students.
The course begins with an introduction to the differences between todays students and those of 15-20 years ago. We also will look at the demands our global society will expect from our students as the enter the workforce. No longer is it a simple matter of knowing how to use a computer and create a Word document, PowerPoint presentation or Excel spreadsheet. The name of the game will be collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
The next four sessions will be dedicated to an introduction to four different digital resources, student blogging, infographics, ineractive posters and mind mapping. Each week will feature a different resource to explore and discuss. Duriong this time students will also be introduced to Schoology, an online learning management and Blendspace, an online resource management system.
For the last four classes, participants will select one of the resources to use with students in the classroom. Each week we will discuss the successes and difficulties encountered and talk about the different ways teachers are using them. By providing this opportunity for a hands-on learning with the support of other teachers and myself, it is more likely teachers will continue to use the resources with future classes.
This course can easily be adapted for different resources and by other school districts as well.