Cynthia Spencer

 Offer regular “higher-learning” classes to individuals to master new technology skills.  “With the infusion of technology into all aspects of daily life, students are becoming more and more adept at using technology as an educational resource. Many faculty, however, are not keeping pace with their students” (Efaw, 2005, p. 1)  Professional development days for teachers which includes engaging in activities together and sharing ideas.  Prepare educators for change before it happens.

 I believe that all teachers across the country should be able to have easy and free access to demonstrations, professional development, and training for new technology and changes with in the school district.  All teachers should follow state laws and the ISTE standards for optimal learning with technology, however educators teach in many different styles and should not have to be exactly the same.

 The ISTE Standards require being frequently informed and trained on new programs and updates to be successful in the digital age.  “Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources” (ISTE, n.d, p.2)

 I have had the pleasure of being a part of professional development days and a lot of them did not cover technology. However, my Pre- Kindergarten teaching position did not require a lot of technology use in or out of the classroom.  In my personal opinion, there could probably be some evaluation and changes in the education industry when it comes to proper training and higher learning for new techniques in the classroom.  Professional development days and training can be successful and fun when the speaker has a sense of humor and can relate to the teachers. In addition, it is always more exciting for the teachers when it is hands- on and relative to them. For instance, one training I have been too we worked in teams to think of ways to solve issues for “capturing the moment” and “sharing the moment” (milestones) for the children. It helped create ways to assess, observe, and keep anecdotal records of your students. I have also been to a training where each learning center in the district was responsible for creating a lesson to share and creating a motto to represent their particular center.  Technology training can be just as fun if the planning of the lecture is interactive and holds their attention.

Efaw, J. (2005). No teacher left behind: How to teach with technology. Educause Review. Retrieved from teacher-left-behind-how-teach-technology International Society for Technology in Education. ISTE standards teachers. Retrieved from 14_ISTE_Standards-T_PDF.pdf