And You Get Some Technology PD!

Technology can support students’ access to instructional resources providing skills for collaboration, problem solving and critical thinking.  In today’s classroom, the role of technology is significant as technology and innovation changes at a fast rate (Whitehead, Jensen, & Boschee, 2013). Many schools and districts have made major investments in their students’ futures by purchasing technology for educational use in the classroom. Students need enough technology and internet access to prepare them for the 21^st century workplace as well as skills that insure college success.  According to Whitehead, Jensen, & Boschee (2013) schools of today should have an “integrated connection among pedagogy, content, and technology". Technology is essential for student achievement and school improvement. Therefore, teachers need to have access to the latest technology training and professional development as it is an important tool for teaching and learning. For instructional purposes, technology is more than just knowing how to assign drill and practice activities to students or the use whiteboards, slide shows, and videos for presenting content.  The effective use of technology in the classroom is in the seamless integration of it into the curriculum where it can engage learners in meaningful and relevant learning experiences. Thus, improving academic achievement.

Although, many teachers acknowledge the benefits of technology for student learning, some teachers struggle with how to effectively integrate it into instruction and learning. This lack of training often is “recognized as one of the main reasons that schools have difficulty implementing technology" (Whitehead et al., 2013). The integration of technology into teaching practices involves skills and knowledge that can be gained through professional development and training opportunities. School districts and administrators should support educators with professional development opportunities that present teaching strategies and methods which use digital tools to promote student growth and achievement.  It is unacceptable in the 21^st century classroom for technology to sit idle because of a lack in teacher training in its use and effective integration.  As dedicated lifelong learners, teachers want professional development which offers the latest information and instructional strategies for emerging educational technology.

The following video coveys the impact of investing in teachers' professional development for technology and inquiry based learning.  It also conveys the idea that teachers become learners again.


 

 Professional learning opportunities give teachers the confidence and knowledge they need to implement technology.  The results of the successful use of technology in the classroom can only be achieved through effective researched based strategies which increases student engagement and positively impacts student outcomes.   The results of  Mustafina’s  (2016) research concluded that most teachers had a positive attitude about the incorporation of technology in the classroom.  Furthermore, their research revealed that a teacher’s “level of confidence and knowledge” influence their attitudes toward technology integration into their lessons and learning activities (Mustafina, 2016).  When planning for technology, it is important that costs, hardware, and curriculum be considered. However, it is of upmost importance that pedagogy and student needs are forefront for technological planning.  In professional learning workshops and training courses, teachers can develop skills they need to navigate the vast amount of technology and internet resources.  Moreover, these opportunities teach educators how to effectively integrate technology across the curriculum supporting students’ mastery of academic and content standards. In their book, Whitehead, Jensen, and Boschee (2013) suggest that before any purchases or planning for technology, the philosophy of teaching as well as students’ needs and abilities should be considered first. When planning for technology, schools and districts should always consider staff development of skills and knowledge needed to successfully implement technology into the school culture and curriculum. 

References

Mustafina, A. (2016). Teachers’ attitudes toward technology integration in a Kazakhstani                     secondary school. International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES),   2(2), 322-332. 

Whitehead, B.M., Jensen, D., Boschee, F. (2013). Planning for Technology: A guide
             for school administrators, technology coordinators, and curriculum leaders.
             Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.