Our teachers are gone for the summer — yesterday was their last day of clean ups, goodbyes, and see you in August.
And many had parting words for me — most of them being “Jen, I need to learn how to use my computer and I am looking forward to the summer classes.”
And though that excites me, it still disappoints me because they are not seeing, or perhaps I am not conveying well enough, that the computer should not be of its own identify….meaning a separate unique part of their classroom, used only for special reasons.
How can I demonstrate to them that the tool sitting on their desk is as convenient to use as a piece of chalk? How can I show them that using the computer will NOT add more work to their day? How am I able to show them that the computer is a great way for differentiated learning? How can I show them that they will be teaching the exact same skill they want the students to know, just not with a pencil and paper?
Why are they keeping it separate? And how can I share it better?
I have an entire summer to figure this out…..and would love your contributions!!
I work with Pre4 – 12th grade. I work with teachers who have moved from pretty much nothing into the world of Powerpoint (and we are happy with this for now — it was a forward movement), United Streaming, Document Sharing, Wiki creating, small bits of collaboration (such as blogs and skype). So we still are at the infancy of our tech use. So please keep that in mind as you offer your suggestions.
My confusion is this — how am I able to make such an easy movement towards the use of tech in my classroom? Was it because my education is in preschool education, so the ideas of centers, controlled chaos, and creativity was a constant?? Why am I able to see that rolling an egg can be a way to teach measurement or sorting cereal can be seen as classification? Is this a mindset that is not easily grasped??
I hope not? But how does the transfer?? How can I share that they can teach the same concept without it always being with pencil and paper?
Smiles — that is where my thoughts are today!
Jen
Hi Jen! I just recently started reading your blog. Are you sure you are not my long, lost twin? My B.S. is in ECED and my M.Ed in Instructional Technology. I have spent the past 8 years as a preK-12 technology coordinator and have struggled with the very issues that you describe here! Unfortunately (for both the district staff and I) my position is being eliminated so I will not be employed next year. My good byes tomorrow will be a bit more permanent and there won’t be any summer classes being taught this year.
I’m not sure you would be interested in my advice, since apparently, some think I was not very effective in my job, but others (including myself) would disagree. My only advice that I can give is to start with a very small group of core teachers that you know that you can convince to embrace technology in their classrooms. As you work with them and their students, the idea will spread. In some cases, it will be the kids themselves. They’ll start asking their more reluctant teachers, “Why don’t we use videos to present this project instead of speeches?” or similar questions.
The teachers that are “on the bubble” will also be influenced. They’ll see the teachers that are embracing technology and the success they are having with their classes and they too will want to jump on board.
I’m sorry for such a long comment. I think I’ll also post this as a blog entry on my fledgling blog. Eventhough my official position is being eliminated, my quest to bring technology into classrooms has not. I just need to find a new way to make that happen – perhaps in a non-traditional role. Thanks for generating my thoughts this morning and best wishes with your stuggle to integrate technology in your district!
Jen,
I’ve been thinking a lot about what type of professional development is needed to help teachers understand that “computer” is not a subject, but a tool. I’ve both seen and unfortunately presented several trainings that just didn’t work. I agree with Valerie that the groups need to small. I’d also add that groups should be from comparable grade levels or academic disciplines. Here are some things I’ve learned from past mistakes…
1) Make the training focus on the curriculum, not the technology. Present on “Effective Projects for Teaching Social Studies” rather than “Using the Computer to Make Slideshows”.
2) Make it clear that using this technology tool isn’t “just one more thing” to pile on top of everything else they already do. If the technology project does a better job teaching a particular standard than the book and the worksheet, then ditch the book and the worksheet and do the project instead.
3) Provide hands on opportunities. Give teachers time to actually make something they can use with their students. Let them help each other and then let them present their work to their fellow teachers. This gives them real experience in a “safe” environment, plus they get to leave the training with a product that is “ready for prime time”.
Finally, I would add that its important to just talk to your teachers. Ask them how it’s going. Praise successes and get feedback on what worked and what didn’t. Make a point to go to them because they won’t always get back to you. Sometimes I don’t find out until months later that they’re not using the tech tool because they couldn’t figure something out and didn’t want to bother me. It’s not all about the tech, its about building relationships too.
@Valerie
I like the ideas of small groups — very much. Less intimidating for all of us!!
I am sorry that your job is changing — but look forward to hearing you share what your next adventure will be.
Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog. Your thoughts are ALWAYS welcome!!
@Dennis
You know — we did try that this past year — with MATH — and it was a great success…..and thank you for reminding me of that.
And — it is true, that though I am always available (and usually quite helpful) I still get the “oh I didn’t want to bother you” comments. Hmmm, we need a way to work on that, don’t we.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share. You gave me some ideas for August and maybe sooner!!