Professional Development:
One important part of being a Technology Integration Specialist is training other teachers how to use and implement technology successfully in their rooms. Currently, the popular approach to technology trainings is to have the entire staff attend a whole day workshop/training session, just like when teachers are learning how to use a new curriculum. However, "when these same processes are used to train teachers in employing technology, the end result is often frustration, negative attitudes, and a sentiment of 'this too shall pass'" (Meltzer, 2012). This quote from Meltzer really hit home for me. I have felt myself feeling the same way during many a training.
I believe that technology trainings need to be approached very differently than the usual way of administering professional development. When you decide to "train" everyone about technology you hit the issue of teachers being at different comfort and experience levels. Training need to diversify and be leveled so teachers can get direct instruction at the level they need to move forward. The trainings also need to involve teachers. They need to be able to manipulate the tool as they are learning about it, not just left to watch and take notes.
Pedagogy and Technology Integration:
"Teachers should be able to engage students in an exploratory learning experience which is designed to stimulate thinking" (Okojie, 2014). The biggest phrase for me from this quote would be exploratory learning experience. Technology should be used to help students explore the world around them. It needs to be available and ready for them to ask questions, get answers, and connect with everything going on around them. We are quickly becoming a global community, and our students need to make sure that they are a part of that!
"Technology integration can be described as a process of using existing tools, equipment and materials, including the use of the electronic media, for the purpose of enhancing learning" (Okojie, 2014). While we incorporate technology in our teaching we need to remember that it needs to be purposeful and ENHANCE learning. Technology should not be used just because it is the new thing and is shiny and gets the kids attention. It needs to make their learning better and help the students get a deeper understanding of what they are learning about.
Challenges:
- Teachers don't have the same background and experience.
- Technology is often viewed as a separate thing to instruct on or about, not as a resource to instruct with.
- It is time consuming to learn and implement new technologies.
- Some teachers are resistant to or uncomfortable with change.
- Not enough technology available to go around!
Meltzer, S. (2012). Step-by-Step Professional Development in Technology. New York: Eye on Education.
Okojie, M., Olinzock, A., & Okojie-Boulder, T. (2014). The Pedagogy of Technology Integration. Retrieved from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JOTS/v32/v32n2/okojie.htm
