It is important for teachers to stay current on technology because it is becoming more and more prevalent in our world (and in our schools). My school has two faculty members designated as "technical support". However, neither of these people receive any type of training in order to be deemed with this title. I have found that they know little to nothing more than I do about any piece of technology of which I might need assistance. The only technology training that is held for the faculty is Promethean board training for those teachers who have a Promethean board. This training is held at a couple of different schools around the county. Those teachers with a Promethean board meet at the designated school for training sessions.
It would be beneficial for faculty to have brief technology trainings at the beginning of each school year. The trainings could include tips of what to do for minor difficulties with computers, printers, etc. It could also be a time where the media specialist might review how to use devices that could be checked out such as video cameras, digital cameras, projectors, etc. Having a hands-on training would be the best way to ensure that the teachers become comfortable with using the technology. If teachers are not comfortable with a piece of technology, they will more than likely never check it out of the media center and use it.
In lueu of a technology training, the media specialist could create a portfolio of directions and tips for using different types of technology that teachers use. This could include troubleshooting information, how to set up the technology, and how to take care of it (maintenance that is needed). A guide of this nature would be best if it includes pictures to accompany the instructions for use.
Technology training is important. If teachers are not trained on how to use technology, it will either be used inappropriately, little to its full potential, or not used at all. An example of this would be the latest installation of Promethean boards at my school. The teachers received two of the five trainings, then funds were cut and those teachers did not receive any more trainings on how to create flipcharts and what tools the board provides. These teachers used the board to show powerpoints if they used the board at all.
I agree that there should be some training sessions at the beginning of the school year especially for all of the new teachers. Certainly any teacher that is already comfortable handling the technology does not have to attend but if there is someone that uses it on a regular basis it would be good to encourage them to attend and share with the group the benefits that can come from incorporating this into your classroom. By hearing from someone who is actually utilizing the technology it may get others interested and excited about incorporating it into their classroom instruction.
ReplyDeleteI also like the idea of creating manuals that give a step-by-step guide of how to use that particular type of technology. This could be a terrific resource especially to the people that are unable to attend a training session. Even if they did attend, sometimes we can easily forget an important step, which is where these manuals would be handy.
It is sad to hear that the teachers are under utilizing their Promethean Boards. This is such a terrific tool that could add to the educational experience, too bad no one has stepped up and tried to figure out all of the great things that can be done with the Promethean Board. Unfortunately they are missing out on using a great tool that could assist them in enhancing their lessons.
By Cecilia:
ReplyDeleteI agree that teachers should be trained on technology; the sad part is that their students are missing out. There are so many ways that technology can and will assist students. All kinds of learners, from talented/gifted, reluctant learners, work avoidant students, on-level students, and special-needs could benefit.
There is a teacher in my Psychology of the Classroom Learner class who works at a school where the staff is enrolled in a Web 2.0 class. The will be comfortable and educated with technology; by the end of the year, their goal is for each teacher to have a class wiki and blog set up. I was so impressed when I heard this; the principal must be forward-thinking and courage to take this on.
It is so sad to hear that teachers are not using the technology to its fullest potential and that funding ran out before trainings were finished. I would think that there are some people on staff that are getting better with the materials that could be used for "in house" trainings. We sometimes do that for a staff meeting so that technology is left in the dust. It is so much cheaper to use the talents of the current staff and get some of those teacher leaders and media specialists out there to step up and train.
ReplyDeleteI would agree that now that I have created the picture, step by step directions of how to use a system; that it would be easy as a media specialist to do for a staff. My media specialist and I have started sending out weekly "tech tips" to the staff. They can use them or trash them. For right now these tips are being sent out and saved on the staff drive for future reference. I am amazed with how many teachers we have already inspired to try something new or remind them of something that they used to do with technology. It can be as easy as an email to get people movtivated. :)
Your blog makes me sad but I feel that what is happening in your school is probably happening all around. To make the most out of a beginning of the year training I think it would be best to give a “survey” at the end of the year asking which technologies teachers are deficient in, proficient in, what technology problems they are experiencing, and what they want help with. This way your time is spent meeting the needs of your learners (the teachers) and make the most out of the teachers time. Doing a training to fit their needs would also help teachers begin to see you (the media specialist &/or technology person) as having something to offer and as a partner in education. I think while doing any sort of training or “how to manuals” it would benefit teachers to have examples at end of the manual of ways they can use it in their classroom. To be perfectly honest, many teachers would probably first go to another colleague before sitting down to read a “how to” just in the interest of saving time.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the beginning of the year is the best time for tech training. I like the idea of giving teachers tips for troubleshooting and PowerPoints for how to use various equipment and technology. By keeping these in a folder for reference teachers will have answers to problems readily available. We are fortunate to have a tech specialist at the district level who posts tutorials and reference cards on the technology site. He offers face to face training for all types of technology throughout the year. He will also come to schools for brief training. Many teachers have taken advantage of this valuable resource. I really appreciate having acces to this as the media specialist.
ReplyDeleteI see this "skimping" on technology training a lot in my system. It's not that the system necessarily wants to skimp, it's just the budget woes. A trend I have noticed where I am from lately is to send a few people through training fully and then they are expected to redeliver the same training to the rest of the staff. I feel like this can be really tricky, because just going through training does give you the expertise to necessarily train others on it. Certainly we are all teachers, but knowledge of the subject matter you are teaching makes a world of difference.
ReplyDeleteThe budget can be such a downer on cool things you would like to have in your school. I recently heard about something another system was using (Criterion) that would be amazing for our students and their writing, but everyone's first question was: how much? We know the money wouldn't be there for us to actually get the program - no matter how much it could help! The sad thing is, when the county does spend money on a program for us all to utilize, a lot of teachers don't bother to use the program. Even if we do have training, many teachers don't want to spend some of the required time to make the program successful in his/her classroom.
ReplyDeleteThe budget can be such a downer on cool things you would like to have in your school. I recently heard about something another system was using (Criterion) that would be amazing for our students and their writing, but everyone's first question was: how much? We know the money wouldn't be there for us to actually get the program - no matter how much it could help! The sad thing is, when the county does spend money on a program for us all to utilize, a lot of teachers don't bother to use the program. Even if we do have training, many teachers don't want to spend some of the required time to make the program successful in his/her classroom.
ReplyDeleteMy school has three faculty members designated for technical support. Although they have not received training, each one seems to be quite knowledgeable. If they are unable to resolve the issue, they complete a “trouble tracker” and turn it in to the technology department.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of the portfolio (who has time for yet another meeting?). It could be a required viewing, like a professional development meeting. The faculty could sign in when they come to view it, but it could be at their convenience.
Any time we begin using a new piece of technology, we are in serviced on the equipment. The in service is limited to the people who would be using it, whether it is a single department or school wide. At the beginning of the school year, new teacher are given the training they need at the new teacher orientation.
Your school seem not to have enough training and my school has training all the time. I know tech training is important because we have purchase several new software programs to help the students. Some of the new software programs are needed to improve CRCT test scores and help to build the students skills in reading and math. I think the tip you shared on having training at the beginning of the year on how to fix minor problems on computers and printers is very much needed. This would be helpful to teachers because some schools do not have a tech personal at the school to help them. It would same time for teachers because somtimes it takes a long time to get help from the tech personal.
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