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January Tech Bucks - Monitoring Technology January 16, 2009

Posted by ijduran in : Monitoring Technology, Training, managing change , 7comments In recent Tech Bucks sessions we have discussed how important it is to monitor the use of technology in our classrooms.  Technology can easily become really cool stuff that has superficial impact in a classroom or it can be viewed and used as dynamic tool to transform a classroom.  I am more of an advocate of the latter believing that the addition of new technology can significantly increase engagement of student learning and teacher enthusiasm.  The International Society of Technology in Education recently came out with a Classroom Observation Tool that can be used in a variety of ways to monitor the use of technology integration in a classroom.  I like the way they focus on student roles and teacher roles and really asking the question, “How essential was technology to the teaching and learning activities?”   See more of Monitoring Technology

Technology Training at the School Level September 9, 2008

Posted by ijduran in : Vision, Leadership, Integration, Interactive White Boards, Training , add a comment I recently came across a great site from Mesquite, Texas.  There is a dynamic video that states the expectations that students have for their own learning.  I will add the link at the end of this blog.  What really stood out for me was the training requirements they have for their beginning teachers.  As part of their educator certification process beginner teachers must have a certain level of proficiency with technology.  Mesquite has a very elaborate training plan for their teachers that focuses on five areas:
  • Basic Technology Literacy
  • Information Acquisition
  • Productivity
  • Communication
  • Integration
I won’t go through each one and rather encourage you to visit their site to see what you learn.  I do see this as a powerful learning model as I have always believed that if expect students to be global communicators, then their teachers need to be using email and blogs to communicate across the world.  Having a common expectation for all learners could be extremely valuable.I also have seen some of our schools create some wonderful learning opportunities for their teachers so I want to highlight some of the efforts I have noticed in our schools:
  • North Middle School:  One of their “big” pushes this year is teachers use of technology within their instruction.  Leadership at North has allocated mandatory training for all teachers and rather than do whole group training, they do it during teachers common time to create smaller learning groups.  In addition, they have created other opportunities for technology training and they are seeking the support from the Instructional Technology coaches and trainers assigned to their school.  Recently, Kurtis Quig, one of the assistant principals sent this request to our team, “I have some requests from North Middle School, and I was wondering if they would fit into your schedule. We have 4 Social Studies teachers at NMS that are truly wanting to take on TECHNOLOGY as their professional development for this school year. “  This is a great example of a school that is making plans for their teachers to be technology literate.
  • Kenton Elementary School:  Recently, Principal Linda Harvey sent me an email telling me her instructional technology teacher was setting up a training for training on the use of Activ Studio.  They had teachers sign up for the class that don’t even have the interactive white boards because they want to learn!!  Another great example of a site creating additional opportunities for their teachers to learn.
  • Arkansas Elementary:  New Principal Alejandra (Maria) Morales is working with our staff to create morning technology training classes for her staff.  What I loved about Arkansas’ plan is they plan on upgrading to Office 2007 as a building and they are going to learn together to ensure a smooth transition.  In addition, all of the classes they offer at Arkansas will be available to other teachers in their feeder areas.  That is trust and teamwork!
  • Boston Elementary School: In preparation for their new school and all of the new technology Boston started “Tech Tuesday’s” last year.  These were before school classes and they were optional.  The Instructional Technology Teacher, Kim Duran, leads these classes with support from our staff.  This year, when Boston opened, teachers were prepared to use the technology.  This training has continued this year and “Tech Tuesdays” continue to be the way teachers develop their skills and ideas for successful integration.  Principal Shawna Lyons has a strong vision for what is possible there and her expectations are that every teacher will use this technology throughout their day. 
  • Hinkley High School:  Hinkley was a big recipient of a grant from the Morgridge Foundation.  20 classrooms have been outfitted with the latest interactive white boards from Promethean.  An additional 6 classrooms that had these tools also received sound systems and the new Activ Expressions.  Hinkley has made a big committment to training.  All of these teachers are currently involved in an online class led by our staff.  Very soon our staff will be working with the teachers during their planning time once a week.  Administration at Hinkley has made this a priority so the time is available.  What is powerful about this model is that all of the teachers are in small learning communities so they can interact, collaborate and learn together about all of the tech skills and the integration skills necessary.  In addition, the World Language teachers are doing additional iPod training during thier planning time so again, integrating the training into a teacher’s day is a powerful model!
So a few examples of some great ways to build capacity with our teachers.  All of the sites have some common themes:
  • Committment from School Leadership
  • Finding the time for the training to happen
  • Planning with our staff to maximize training
  • Utilizing key site staff or our staff for training support
  • An expectation to integrate technology into instruction
Visit Mequite site and I would love to hear what your school is doing or anything you notice and learn from Mesquite.Mesquite Web Site