Ed. Tech Professional Development

Educational technology, as technology in general, is in a state of constant change.  As teachers, we must attempt to "keep up" with this change.  This means continuous professional development just to learn the new stuff, on top of trying to stay proficient with technologies that we may use infrequently. This makes it increasingly important to have a plan for what you want learn about.  So, what technology skills should every teacher posses?

Bernie Poole, associate professor of education and instructional technology at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, suggests six categories of knowledge or skills every good teacher should have.

• Productivity Tools- word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation, etc. - http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/archives/techtorials.shtml
• Troubleshooting - common problems http://www.scribd.com/doc/23759468/Common-Troubleshooting-Techniques
• Technical Assistance - where to find help if needed
• Web Resources - subject/knowledge area specific
• Search Skills - four essential tips - http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/columnists/poole/poole013.shtml
• Interest and Flexibility

Where do teachers get this ongoing training? College classes, online tutorials, conferences and outside workshops, district in-service workshops are excellent sources. The state of Missouri requires districts to submit data each year indicating how many teachers have participated in what the state considers "High Quality Professional Development."  The following is the state's idea/standards for determining if professional development can be counted:

• Actively engages teachers in planning, skills, and information over time
• Is directly linked to improved student learning so that all children may meet the Show-Me Standards at the proficient level
• Is directly linked to district and building school improvement plans 
• Is developed with extensive participation of teachers, parents, principals, and other administrators (Parent participation may be at the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan level) 
• Provides time and other resources for learning, practice, and follow-up
• Is supported by district and building leadership 

• Provides teachers with the opportunity to give the district feedback on the effectiveness of participation in this professional development activity

The state also requires a certain amount of professional development; initial teaching certificate - 30 hours over 4 years, reactivated certificate - 24 hours annually, career certificate - 15 hours annually, exempt from requirements after 10 years experience AND master's degree OR national certification.  Many districts have criteria that goes beyond these.

What are the benefits and drawbacks to these requirements?

Emerging Technologies

New technologies are being created and made available at a rapid pace.  Many of these technologies claim to be able to revolutionize teaching and learning in the classroom.  Some are cheap or even free, while others can be quite expensive.

Many districts across the country attempt to be on the "cutting edge", and adopt these new technologies almost as rapidly as they are made available. Other districts wait, sometimes for years, before "jumping on board." They wait for sufficient data to be collected and analyzed to show the efficacy of these technologies before expending the money, time, and training required for adoption. However, if all districts waited, where would the data come from? Catch 22!

As we have looked at some of these emerging technologies, what are your thoughts on the adoption process. Would you prefer your district be an early adopter, or wait for the data to prove its worth? If you are given leeway to use new technologies, will you be an early adopter or wait for the proof to come in?

Multimedia in the Classroom

What are the benefits of using multimedia in the classroom?  Are there any drawbacks/problems with using multimedia?  What are some specific ways you might use multimedia in your classroom?

Internet in the Classroom

The Internet, a vast collection of inter-connected networks, contains a collection of billions of pieces of information.  This information can be sorted and sifted through fairly easily, although it is still possible to "get lost" in your research.

What are the advantages of using the Internet in our classrooms? In what ways might it be used?  Are there any concerns or problems with using the Internet?  How can these problems be overcome? 

Helpful Links:

Filamentality

WebQuest

Taskonomy

eThemes

Rubistar

OEDb

Blogs

Can blogs be beneficial in an elementary/middle/high school setting? How are they being used in these settings? Do you see any problems or concerns with using them in any of these settings? What do schools need to be concerned about? What might parents be concerned about? If the school you work in will allow it, will you use or consider using blogs with your students?

Here are a couple of links to get you started. Please remember to write your responses as a new post on your blog and comment on at least one of your classmates blog.

Blogging? It's Elementary, My Dear Watson!

Log On to a Blog

Dangers of Blogging

June 7

Welcome to the first week of our Technology for Educators class.

Each week there will be a posting here for you to research and reflect on, and then post a response to it. You will be responsible for reading your classmates blogs as well and to comment on someone else's blog. Each posting will be evaluated for accuracy of facts or originality of thought. You must post relevant comments, not just something like "that's interesting" or "I agree with you."


This week, our focus will be on getting acquainted with each other, our course and our portfolios. It is highly suggested that you continue working on your portfolio after this class is completed.  We will develop all of the main pages and your goal 11 page in this class.  During the remainder of your coursework, you will need to complete goals 1-10 and goal 12.  I will be available to help you through email and occasionally I will come in to provide help, but it will be much easier for you if you continue working as go through your courses.

This week you will need to type a little bit about who you are. Then, research and wite a paragraph or two explaining whether you most closely identify with the Behaviorist, Cognitive, Constructivist, or Social-Psychological learning perspective.