Challenging+teacher+training

=How do we get teachers to provide training to students to be able to use classroom technology?=

Teachers must first utilize technology before they can train other students on how to use technology. In order for teachers to use technology, they must believe it will 1) aid their instruction 2) improve performance and 3) be more efficient. Also, principals and superintendents must utilize technology before they can ask their teachers to do so. Thus, in order for students to use classroom technology, the school culture must support its use.

Problem: Teachers all too often teach as they were taught. Teachers need to willingly alter their teaching strategies if they do not already utilize technology in the classroom and they also need to have students actively engaged in their lessons. Technology can enhance the learning process, but it can only do so if it is being used in the classroom. Another problem: teachers are already overwhelmed and may feel they do not have the time or resources to train students in the use of classroom technology. However, teachers who have learned how to create web-based assessments and instructions have found that these technologies actually save them time and increase student interest level.

Ideas: Impress upon the faculty the importance of being technologically literate. Have teachers learn the programs alongside the students. The students may even be able to teach the teachers! Provide opportunities for students to utilize technology through clubs and in-class activities. Make the experience meaningful for students by connecting programs with their interests. Create lessons in which technology is an essential component and demonstrate to the class how to use the technology, as in Connected Mathematics. Not every student has access to a computer outside of school; create lessons that can be completed within the confines of the class period or allow students to come in before/after school/during lunch to finish assignments.

Resources: [|Encouraging teacher technology use.] (Education World website) [|Digital equality in the classroom.] [|Pekin, Illinois technology plan.] [|Carl Sandburg College technology resource for educators.]