Teacher Training in Technology

Teacher Training in Technology by Brian Christiansen is a student paper written at San Diego State University.  Although this is a student paper, he makes a lot of great points about teacher training and that is why I decided to share it with you.  Christiansen starts his paper with the importance of a vision statement, but concludes with the fact that even more important than a vision is the teacher training.

He explains that technology should enhance classroom practices that "include two interconnected components: learning the general capabilities of the technology, and integrating the technology across the curriculum."  He begins with an idea of how training should be set up.  First computers should already be in the classrooms in order for teachers to follow up and use after the training sessions.  He suggests that first trainings should be over hardware, how cables are connected and desktop navigation for the technology they have available.

Next. comes the introduction to software.  He suggests that teachers have hands-on capabilities during these training sessions.  An overview of the Internet is also appropriate for this training, getting teachers familiar with navigating the network and becoming familiar with the mechanics of technology.

Christiansen then begins talking about phase two, time for exploration and planning.  He stresses that planning is most important in order for a teacher to incorporate technology into their lessons.  He also suggests that teachers communicate with one another and mentor each other in order to continue to plan and implement technology into the curriculum.  On going support is critical for teachers to feel comfortable and explore ideas on their own.

I could really relate to this paper because I'm in the process of working on my 6005 project and have found that teachers are not willing to just try something they are not familiar with.  They want training, they want to know what the best practice is, they need support and tools to integrate technology into their classrooms.  I admit, that I've been shocked as to the amount of professional teachers who are not as comfortable with technology as I am.  I've always been around computers since high school (early '80's) because my dad was very "high tech" oriented.  As students of Instructional Technology it is our "duty" to continue to pass the word and help those teachers even if it is one at a time.